Setbacks for Russia, Iran, Hezbollah Turn Catastrophe for Assad
The war in Syria has become a quagmire for President Bashar al-Assad’s allies Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah, with recent setbacks leaving them facing catastrophe.
The Wagner Group, a Russian paramilitary force, has lost dozens of fighters in recent battles in the northwestern region of Idlib. This marks a significant blow to Russia’s reputation and its beleaguered military presence in Syria.
Iranian-backed militia forces have also suffered heavy losses, with some reports suggesting that as many as 100 of their fighters were killed in recent clashes with Turkish-backed Syrian rebels. This has raised questions about the loyalty and effectiveness of these militia forces, which have been critical to President Assad’s survival throughout the conflict.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah, the powerful Shia militia in Lebanon, has seen its influence and control over Syria diminish as the war grinds on. Its presence in the country has been steadily declining since 2015, and its fighters have been forced to retreat from key areas, including the city of Qusayr, which was once a key stronghold.
The setbacks for Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah have come as a result of a combination of factors, including the internal divisions between them and the difficulties they face in containing the growing Turkish-backed insurgency in Syria. The situation has been further complicated by the emergence of new players, including the United States and its allies, which have been increasingly involved in the conflict.
As the war in Syria rages on, it seems unlikely that President Assad will be able to hold on to power, at least in the short term. The setbacks for his allies have limited his options and isolated him further, leaving him facing catastrophe.
