Former President Donald Trump claimed on Sunday that Syrian President Bashar Assad had fled the country after losing Russian support.
“Assad is gone,” Trump proclaimed on his Truth Social platform. ”His protector, Russia, led by vladimir Putin, no longer had any interest in protecting him. Russia had no reason to be there in the first place. They lost all interest in Syria because of Ukraine.”
Trump accentuated Russia and Iran’s weakened position, attributing it to the Ukrainian conflict and struggling economies, alongside Israel’s triumphant military actions.
On Saturday, Trump advocated for US non-intervention in the escalating Syrian conflict, stating, “This is not our fight.Syria is a mess, but not our friend, and the United States should have nothing to do with it.”
Should Russia be forced out of Syria, Trump argued it ”may actually be the best thing that can happen to them” as “there was never much of a benefit in syria for Russia.”
Trump also called for a ceasefire in Ukraine, suggesting Kyiv sought negotiations to halt the conflict after suffering significant losses. He proposed China’s involvement in mediating talks and encouraging Russia to end the war.Middle Eastern officials discussed the ramifications of Iran’s regional policies faltering after Hezbollah’s defeat in the war against Israel, Hamas’ military setbacks, and the alleged collapse of the Assad regime, a key supplier of weapons to Hezbollah and pro-Iran militias near the Syrian-Israeli border.
A UAE presidential advisor noted the collapse of Iran’s deterrence policy, while emphasizing Iran’s continued regional importance and the necessity for dialog with its leaders.
An iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps official deemed the fall of Assad’s regime “the fall of the Axis’ Berlin Wall,” lamenting the loss of years of effort in just 11 days.
How might a change in Russia’s support for Assad affect the balance of power in the Middle East?
Interview: Trump’s Claims on Assad’s Regime and the Future of Syria
Editor, Time.news (E): Thank you for joining us today to discuss these pressing issues regarding the situation in Syria and the implications of Donald Trump’s recent statements. We have Dr. Emily Carter, a geopolitical analyst with extensive experience in Middle eastern affairs. Welcome, Dr. Carter.
Dr. Emily Carter (D): Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
E: Let’s dive right in. Former President Trump indicated on his Truth Social platform that he believes Syrian President Bashar Assad has fled the country after losing Russian support. What are your thoughts on this?
D: Trump’s assertion underscores a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape of the region. If true, Assad’s departure could suggest a severe weakening of Iran and Russia’s influence in Syria. For years,Assad has relied on Russian support to maintain power. With the ongoing conflict in Ukraine stretching Russia’s resources thin, it’s plausible that their support for Assad is diminishing as Putin refocuses on his immediate interests.
E: Trump emphasized that Russia has no real reason to be in Syria post-Ukraine. How do you interpret that statement?
D: Trump’s comments highlight a well-known viewpoint in geopolitics: that foreign interventions are ofen driven by national interest.Russia’s engagement in Syria was largely motivated by a desire to project power and maintain influence in the Middle East. Though, with the unfolding situation in Ukraine, their strategic priorities may have shifted dramatically. Should they de-escalate their involvement in Syria, it might not only mark a failure for Assad but could also redefine the regional balance of power.
E: He also mentioned the necessity for the U.S. to refrain from intervention, stating, “This is not our fight.” Do you agree with this sentiment?
D: I think there’s merit in what Trump says regarding U.S. non-intervention. The Syrian conflict is indeed complex, and many argue that American involvement has historically led to unintended consequences. Encouraging a hands-off approach could allow regional powers to negotiate their own solutions, rather than imposing external interests, which might lead to further conflict.
E: Trump proposed that forcing Russia out of Syria “may actually be the best thing that can happen to them.” What are your thoughts on this?
D: That perspective is intriguing. If Russia were to withdraw from Syria, it could reshape alliances and foster stability, particularly for Israel, which has been actively concerned about Iran’s influence through Assad. It would also pressure Iran to reconsider its strategies in the region. However, the withdrawal might have risks for Russia as well, particularly in terms of losing any foothold in the Middle East.
E: Trump’s calls for a ceasefire in Ukraine and the involvement of china in mediating talks are also pivotal.How do you see China’s potential involvement affecting regional dynamics?
D: China’s involvement in mediating the Ukraine conflict could signify a shift towards a multipolar world where Beijing asserts itself as a peace broker. This approach could potentially enhance China’s influence in the middle East while offering a new avenue for dialog, which may appeal to countries weary of continued conflict. However, we should remain cautious about China’s motives, as their interests might not align with Western ideals of peace and stability.
E: Middle Eastern officials have remarked on the ramifications of Iran’s faltering regional policies. where do you see Iran’s role evolving in light of these developments?
D: Iran has long positioned itself as a key player in regional politics through alliances with groups like Hezbollah and the Assad regime. However,with the potential collapse of Assad’s regime,Iran’s deterrent capability and its strategy of influence may face significant challenges. While they will probably seek to maintain their regional significance through dialogue and diplomacy, the loss of their stronghold in Syria will undoubtedly impact their operations and aspirations.
E: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for your insights today. Your analysis helps clarify the complex and rapidly evolving situation in syria and the wider Middle Eastern region.
D: Thank you for having me.It’s crucial that we stay informed about these developments as they unfold.