The fall of Bashar al-Assad‘s government in Syria represents a critical moment in the geopolitics of the Middle East. Assad’s sudden fall shows the success of a regime change strategy put in place by the United States. This turn is not only the result of years of political, military and media pressure, but also a complex network of manipulations, financing and strategic alliances, wich reflect US ambitions to reshape the balance of power in the region.
CIA priority
Already in 2017, Julian assange raised the alarm about internal conflicts within the Trump administration regarding Syria. According to Assange, the CIA identified the destruction of Assad as a top priority, allocating it the largest budget item. However, Trump opposed the agency’s plans, sparking a bitter internal dispute. Trump’s resistance to the CIA line had far-reaching political consequences, including the allegation by some observers that the 2020 election was rigged in Joe Biden’s favor to ensure a return to a more interventionist foreign policy.
Biden’s statement
The current President Joe Biden has publicly acknowledged the role of the United States in achieving a turning point in Syria. “Our approach has shifted the balance of power in the Middle East, through a combination of support for our partners, sanctions, diplomacy and the targeted use of military force when necessary,” biden said, implicitly revealing continued support for operations like Timber Sycamore, its secret CIA program to arm and finance jihadist groups against the Assad government.
Return of the Propaganda
With the fall of Assad, the Western narrative that portrays the Syrian regime as a symbol of oppression and barbarism has resurfaced.Already rejected images and news, such as those of the Saydnaya prison and the photo of Omran Daqneesh, the “baby of Aleppo” from 2016, have been re-promoted to justify the actions of the opposition and improve the image of rebel groups, frequently enough linked to extremist organizations. This script, which can already be seen in other contexts of regime change, seems aimed at legitimizing destruction and chaos as a necessary price for supposed democratic progress.
Syria’s new Reality
The negotiations between the Syrian government and the opposition begin a complex political transition. Ahmed al-Sharaa, the leader of Hayat tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an organization with roots in al-Qaeda, has initiated meetings with government representatives to discuss a peaceful transfer of power and unification of the armed forces under centralized command. The aim of this process, which also involves the dissolution of opposition organisations, is to create a national unity government.
Though, Syria’s future looks bleak. As happened in Libya, there is a risk that regime change will leave the country in a state of anarchy, with destroyed infrastructure, plundered resources and a displaced population. Syria, which under Assad had declared a higher level of tolerance and religious stability than many other states in the Middle East, is now facing a long period of instability and suffering.
Considerations
Assad’s fall is yet another chapter in a Western model of intervention that frequently enough leaves rubble and unrest behind. Syria, once a symbol of resilience and cultural diversity, risks being remembered as another exmaple of how regime change, imposed from the outside, can destroy a country and its peopel.
What are the potential consequences of Assad’s fall on Syria’s regional relations?
Interview with Dr. Sarah El-Masri, Geopolitical Expert on the Implications of Assad’s Fall in Syria
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. El-Masri.The recent fall of Bashar al-assad’s goverment marks a important shift in the Middle East. Can you elaborate on how U.S. regime change strategies contributed to this outcome?
Dr.Sarah El-Masri: Thank you for having me. The fall of Assad is indeed a pivotal moment in Middle Eastern geopolitics. The U.S. has been strategically involved in shaping the region’s balance of power for years, and Assad’s downfall is a culmination of these efforts. This involved a complex interplay of political maneuvers, military interventions, and media narratives, all aimed at undermining Assad’s authority.
Time.news Editor: Julian Assange highlighted internal conflicts within the Trump management regarding Syria. What were the main points of contention during this period, and how did it affect U.S. policy?
Dr. Sarah El-Masri: Assange pointed out that the CIA prioritized the removal of Assad,viewing it as essential to U.S. strategy in the region.Though, Trump resisted this approach, which led to significant tensions within his administration.This internal strife had lasting effects,altering the trajectory of U.S. foreign policy and leading to allegations of election interference, suggesting a push towards a more interventionist approach under Biden.
Time.news Editor: President Biden recently acknowledged the United States’ role in influencing Syria’s political landscape. What does his acknowledgment say about the current U.S. strategy in the Middle East?
Dr. Sarah el-masri: Biden’s recognition of the U.S. role underscores a shift back towards a more interventionist policy,embracing a combination of military action,sanctions,and diplomatic efforts. His mention of the covert Timber Sycamore program illustrates the ongoing U.S. involvement in regional conflicts, notably in relation to supporting groups opposed to Assad.
Time.news Editor: With the fall of Assad, we see a resurgence of Western narratives portraying the Syrian regime negatively.What are the implications of this propaganda on the future of Syria?
Dr. Sarah El-Masri: The revival of these narratives serves to legitimize ongoing interventions and rally support for opposition groups, even those with extremist ties. This propaganda can obscure the complex reality on the ground, frequently enough leading to a misunderstanding of the consequences of regime change. It can justify further instability, portraying destruction as a necessary sacrifice for a purported democratic future.
Time.news Editor: The emergence of figures like Ahmed al-Sharaa negotiating with the Syrian government hints at potential transitions. What are the key challenges these negotiations face?
Dr. Sarah El-Masri: While negotiations coudl theoretically pave the way for a national unity government, the challenges are immense. There’s deep-rooted mistrust between factions, and the path to unification of armed forces is fraught with risks.Moreover,the ancient example of Libya looms large—regime change often breeds chaos rather than stability,and we must remain cautious about syria’s trajectory.
Time.news Editor: As viewers consider the future of Syria, what practical advice do you have for those looking to understand the region’s evolving landscape?
Dr. Sarah El-Masri: It’s essential to approach the situation with a critical mindset. Follow reputable sources for updates, examine multiple perspectives on the conflict, and be aware of the potential for propaganda to shape public perception. Engaging with local voices from Syria can also provide invaluable insights into the reality on the ground, which is frequently enough missed in mainstream narratives.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. El-Masri, for your insights. The complexities surrounding Syria’s future require careful consideration as we navigate this evolving geopolitical landscape.
Dr. Sarah El-Masri: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure discussing this vital issue.