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Syrian President ⁣Bashar al-Assad signed a decree increasing the salaries of contract soldiers and officers by 50%, bringing them ​to $30 per month. ​However, this increase will not apply to ⁢conscripts, which has already caused discontent in the army.

Previously, the ​goverment⁣ tried to‍ stimulate service in combat units by increasing bonuses from 10 thousand to⁢ 100 thousand Syrian pounds, which is equivalent to only 7.5 dollars. ‌However, these⁢ measures could not stop the wave⁢ of desertion, which intensified against the backdrop of​ the rapid advance of opposition forces.

In southern Syria, regime opponents took control of the base of the 52nd brigade of the Syrian army‌ in the al-Harakh region⁣ -‌ Assad’s second largest base in the region. meanwhile, in Homs, opposition groups continue to unite, creating serious pressure on the positions of⁤ government troops.

In an attempt to strengthen his forces,Assad entered into an agreement with the United States under which government troops that had​ previously opposed the Islamic State in Deir ​ez-Zor province where ⁣replaced by pro-American ⁤Kurdish troops.‍ The released units are urgently transferred to​ the Homs area to contain the opposition offensive.

Though, against the backdrop of‌ these events, Islamic ‌State militants intensified, taking advantage of the chaos and⁣ weakening of the Syrian army.

According to Bloomberg, the Kremlin, unlike 2015, admits the absence of a clear plan to ⁣save the Assad​ regime. A source in Moscow noted‌ that Russia does not intend to increase ⁤its participation while the Syrian military continues to leave its positions.

Iraq also refused to intervene in the Syrian conflict, despite Assad’s requests. The Saudi TV channel Al-Hadas reported that the armed opposition in syria warned ⁤Baghdad in advance about the ​inadmissibility of intervention.

Earlier, Kursor wrote that Syrian militias seized a large border crossing on⁣ the border with Jordan.

– ⁢What are the key ⁤factors contributing ‌to the ⁣rising desertion rates among Syrian⁣ soldiers?

Interview⁢ with Dr.Sarah El-Hakim: A Syrian Conflict Expert

Time.news Editor: ‌ Thank ‌you ‌for joining us today, dr. El-Hakim. ‍Let’s ⁤begin by‌ discussing the recent decree signed by President Bashar al-Assad⁣ to increase⁤ salaries for contract soldiers and officers by 50%.⁢ What are ​the immediate implications of this decision for ‍the Syrian military and the broader conflict?

Dr.El-Hakim: ​Thank you‍ for having me. ⁣The salary increase to $30⁤ per month ‍for contract‍ soldiers and officers is⁣ a notable, albeit modest, acknowledgment of the dire circumstances faced by military ‌personnel ‌in Syria. Though, it⁣ is indeed crucial to note that this increase ​does not⁢ apply to conscripts. This move will likely exacerbate existing discontent within the ranks, especially as ​desertion rates continue to rise. The morale of‍ the troops is⁣ already ⁤low, and failing ⁤to compensate⁤ all soldiers could lead⁤ to further unrest.

Time.news Editor: ⁤You mentioned the rising desertion rates. ‍Can you elaborate on the government’s previous attempts to address this issue, ⁢such as the increase ​in bonuses, and why⁤ they have failed?

Dr. El-Hakim: The‌ government’s earlier strategy involved raising bonuses from 10,000 to ​100,000​ syrian pounds—approximately $7.50. This increase is essentially symbolic​ given the cost of living and the overall socio-economic crisis in Syria. Such financial incentives lack‌ substance when compared to the real risks soldiers ⁤face on the battlefield, especially with​ advances from⁢ opposition forces in areas like Homs and​ the al-Harakh ⁣region. ⁣Soldiers⁢ are more concerned ‍with their ⁤safety and well-being than modest financial⁣ incentives.

time.news Editor: Speaking of ‌opposition forces,could⁢ you explain the current‌ state of power dynamics⁣ in southern Syria,especially with the recent control over ⁣the 52nd brigade base?

Dr. El-Hakim: Absolutely. The control of ‌the 52nd brigade base by regime opponents highlights the shifting power dynamics in the region. This base is‍ Assad’s second largest in southern Syria, and losing it represents a significant strategic setback for ⁣his regime. As opposition​ groups unify, they are creating serious‌ pressure on government forces, further destabilizing Assad’s control.

Time.news Editor: There’s also been a reported agreement between the ⁢Assad⁢ regime and the United States, involving the replacement of Syrian troops ⁤in Deir ez-Zor with ​pro-American Kurdish forces. What does this mean for‍ Assad’s strategy‍ moving forward?

Dr. el-Hakim: ⁣This agreement reflects Assad’s desperate need⁣ to consolidate his military strength.‌ By allowing ‍Kurdish troops⁤ to⁤ take control in Deir ez-Zor, he ‌can⁤ redeploy his forces ​to‌ Homs, where pressure from opposition groups is mounting. However, this ⁣strategy comes with risks. As we’ve seen, the Islamic State is⁣ exploiting the chaos, and‌ the absence of a coherent ⁢plan from‌ Russia, unlike the situation‌ in 2015, means Assad may find himself ⁢increasingly isolated as he attempts to counter both insurgent and extremist elements.

Time.news Editor: Speaking of international dynamics,what is the significance‌ of Iraq’s refusal to intervene in the Syrian conflict despite Assad’s requests?

Dr. El-Hakim: ‌Iraq’s refusal ​to intervene underscores the complexities ⁤of regional politics.‌ It suggests a⁤ shift in priorities‍ for‍ Baghdad, which ​perhaps does not want to entangle ‍itself further in⁣ a conflict that​ could escalate⁤ and have direct​ implications for its own ‍security. The warning from Syrian ⁢armed⁢ opposition groups ⁢indicates increasing coordination and unity among⁣ these factions, which further complicates any potential intervention by neighboring states.

Time.news⁣ Editor: As we look to the future of Syria,could you offer some ⁤practical advice ⁣for readers ​who want to understand ‌the evolving dynamics of this conflict?

Dr.El-Hakim: For those interested in the situation in Syria, it’s essential to stay informed about the continuous shifts​ in power dynamics, both ‍military​ and political. Following reliable news sources and ‍reports from analysts can provide a clearer‌ picture. Understanding⁤ the ​local socio-economic conditions,such as the implications of salary changes ⁣for military⁤ personnel,is also vital. note⁢ that the ‌landscape is in constant flux—what seems‌ true today‌ may shift tomorrow as new alliances and conflicts arise.

Time.news Editor: thank you, Dr. El-Hakim, for your valuable insights ​on the current ‌situation in Syria. Your perspectives help shed light on this⁤ complex ​and evolving conflict.

Dr. ⁣El-Hakim: Thank you ⁢for the chance to discuss these significant issues.