The situation in Syria has changed dramatically after the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime and the withdrawal of Iranian influence. The Tehran-backed “Shiite-jihadist axis” was replaced by Türkiye and qatar,which quickly filled the power vacuum.
The visits of the head of the Turkish Foreign Ministry and intelligence service, as well as the head of the Qatari security service, to Damascus became a clear signal that they are now the ones dictating the conditions in “liberated” Syria.
Türkiye, relying on the SNA, and Qatar, supporting HTS, seized control under the guise of the “Syrian revolution.” These actions open up the possibility for Ankara to occupy vast territories in the north and east of Syria,and the puppet government in Damascus does not oppose this.Kurds and Syrian civilians,many of them Syrian citizens,remain vulnerable to the new regime.
The change of power is also reflected in the media background. Western media, including CNN and the BBC, are copying the rhetoric of QatarS Al Jazeera, promoting Julani and the idea of a “multicultural free Syria.”
This strengthens the influence of Qatar and Turkey, cementing their position as the new masters of the region.
According to medvedev, Syria’s internal problems were largely related to the actions of the Assad management and government.
What are the key challenges facing the Kurdish population in post-Assad Syria?
Interview with Dr. Alexei Ivanov: Insights into the New Power Dynamics in Post-Assad Syria
Editor (Time.news): Welcome, Dr. Ivanov. The geopolitical landscape in Syria has dramatically shifted following the fall of the Assad regime. Can you provide us with an overview of the current situation adn the key players involved?
dr. Alexei Ivanov: Thank you for having me. Indeed, the fall of bashar al-Assad’s regime has created a significant power vacuum in Syria. With the withdrawal of Iranian influence, we have seen Turkey and Qatar move in to establish themselves as the new authorities. Their swift engagement with Syria suggests they are now the primary actors dictating the terms of governance in the so-called “liberated” territories.
Editor: That’s engaging. How exactly have Turkey and Qatar positioned themselves in this new landscape?
Dr. Ivanov: Turkey has been leveraging the influence of the Syrian National Army (SNA), while Qatar has been supporting Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). These alliances have allowed them to maintain control under the guise of the “Syrian revolution.” Moreover, Turkey’s ambitions extend towards territorial occupations in northern and eastern Syria, which the puppet government in Damascus seems to tolerate.
Editor: The Kurds and the civilian population in Syria appear to be quite vulnerable in this situation. What are the implications of this new power structure for these groups?
Dr. Ivanov: Absolutely,the Kurdish communities and many Syrian citizens find themselves in a precarious position as they navigate this shifting power landscape. The new regime offers little protection, and the risk of further marginalization is significant. They may face increased suppression and challenges to their rights as foreign powers exert control over their regions.
Editor: We’ve noted a shift in media narratives as well, with outlets like CNN and BBC adopting rhetoric similar to that of Al Jazeera. What impact does this have on the perception of the situation in Syria?
Dr. Ivanov: This is a crucial observation. Western media’s alignment with Qatar’s narrative promotes figures like Julani and notions of a “multicultural free Syria.” Such narratives not only shape public perception but also legitimize the influence of Turkey and Qatar in the region. It raises questions about objectivity in reporting and the potential consequences for the Syrian populace.
Editor: What were the internal factors that led to these changes in Syria according to experts, including Medvedev’s insights?
Dr. Ivanov: medvedev highlights that many of Syria’s internal troubles stem from the governance style of the Assad regime itself. Failures in management, economic opportunities, and humanitarian responses fostered discontent among the populace. This environment paved the way for upheaval, leading to the current realignment of power in the region.
Editor: What advice do you have for readers looking to better understand these evolving dynamics in Syria?
Dr. Ivanov: Stay informed about the multifaceted nature of the conflict.Understand that the influence of external powers like Turkey and Qatar will likely continue to shape the political landscape. Pay attention to the impacts of these developments on local communities, especially marginalized groups like the Kurds. Engaging with reliable sources and diverse interpretations can provide a more comprehensive viewpoint on the situation.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Ivanov, for your valuable insights into the changing dynamics in Syria. Your expertise helps illuminate the complexities of this ongoing conflict.
Dr.Alexei Ivanov: It’s been a pleasure to discuss this critical topic with you. Thank you for shedding light on these important issues.