Assad’s 24-year regime toppling ‘like a house of cards’ marks the end of Iran’s ring of fire around Israel, expert says

According to a military analyst, the violent dictatorship of Bashar al-Assad has fallen “like a house of cards” as rebels have overrun the Syrian capital, Damascus.

It also signifies the disintegration of Iran’s “ring of fire” surrounding Israel, marking the fall of one of the most ruthless dictatorships in the contemporary Middle East.

On November 27, the rebellion—a large coalition of opposition forces—launched a rapid onslaught that quickly spread throughout the northern and southern parts of Syria.

Important cities like Homs fell rapidly, and the progress was too rapid for Assad’s troops, which was overworked and disheartened by years of domestic conflict.

Assad escaped via jet as rebels swept into the capital, Damascus, only to be granted sanctuary in Moscow by his tyrant friend Vladimir Putin.

It comes as a purported Russian plot to spread bogus information about a ‘plane disaster’ involving al-Assad has been revealed.

Russia “hid their trail” in aiding al-Assad’s escape by spreading false reports that he perished in an accident, according to the Ukrainian Centre for Strategic Communication and Information Security on X.

Former IDF spokesperson Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Conricus said the collapse was more than just a regime’s downfall.

It signaled the end of a long-standing Russian and Iranian strategy in the area.

“The Syrian regime simply imploded,” Conricus told The Sun, when Assad went and his international supporters, including Russia and Iran, withdrew, leaving the regime “like a house of cards.”

Rumors circulated that Assad’s plane had been shot down as it vanished from radar.

However, the Syrian dictator’s safe arrival in Russia was eventually verified.

Rebel forces rejoiced at the liberation of Damascus following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad.

Opposition leaders took control of government buildings, including the presidential palace, and destroyed statues of the president.

Conricus cited this as a glaring watershed in Syria’s history.

Even if there are still many unanswered questions, the fall of Assad’s government gives the nation a fresh, optimistic outlook.

“From now on, Syria will be a different country,” he said.

“Other forces—ideally democratic, pluralistic, and free forces—should now assume the initiative.

Assad’s downfall has far-reaching effects outside of Syria.

The loss of Syria as a strategic ally is devastating for Iran.

Syria, according to Conricus, is a crucial component of Iran’s ring of fire plan, which entails a network of proxy governments around Israel.

“Without Syria in place, Hezbollah in Lebanon will suffer greatly because they will not have a direct line of supply from Syria via Iraq and into Lebanon,” he stated.

This network’s deterioration might interfere with Iran’s larger offensive strategy against Israel.

Israel has conducted airstrikes on key locations throughout Syria in an effort to keep these weapons out of terrorists’ hands.

It is thought that these locations hold strategic and chemical weapons that organizations like Islamic Jihad and Hamas may take.

Conricus went on to say that Israel is frantically trying to prevent these weapons from falling into the hands of jihadis.

Concerns have been raised by Turkey’s ambitions in the region, which are also changing the geopolitical situation.

Following the overthrow of Assad, Conricus issued a warning about Turkish expansionism, pointing out that Ankara may try to increase its power in the south.

He stated that Turkey has no right to invade other nations.

“Israel will defend itself if Turkey confronts it. And that can result in a really risky circumstance.”

The overthrow of Assad’s government gives the Syrian people optimism in spite of these obstacles.

The leaders of the rebels have promised to create a pluralistic, democratic Syria.

The Syrian National Coalition, which now controls a large portion of the nation, is attempting to install a transitional administration that prioritizes harmony and peacemaking.

The rebels have captured Prime Minister Muhammad Ghazi al-Jalali, who has stated his desire to help with the change.

According to Conricus, the message is one of optimism for Syria’s future.

However, the expert warned that Syria’s road to recovery is fraught with challenges.

The country will have to deal with sectarian conflicts, repair its infrastructure, and control radical opposition groups.

His words, “It’s a complex situation,”

“But if the new leaders of Syria can find a way to bring about peace and respect for minorities, there is potential for a very positive future.”

For Israel and the larger Middle East, as well as for Syria, the overthrow of Assad represents a symbolic victory.

Conricus considered the irony that Hamas, which attacked Israel in October 2023 on the grounds that Israel was weak, would not have anticipated the fall of the Syrian government and the erosion of Iran’s power.

“The Iranian axis of violence and terror against Israel is suffering significant defeats,” he stated.

Hezbollah and Hamas are less powerful than before.

Conricus emphasized the significance of backing a free and democratic Syria in the future.

“Peace with Israel has always been the path to prosperity for any Arab country,” he said, expressing optimism that Syria would eventually adopt this idea.

An uncertain but potentially revolutionary period has begun in the Middle East with the overthrow of Assad.

A more peaceful, stable, and democratic region may emerge if Syria’s cruel tyranny ends, yet the immediate future is still uncertain.

The world now observes as the remains of Iran’s “ring of fire” continue to smolder and as Syrians begin the process of reconstructing their nation.

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