– The possibility of a counterattack with the participation of Iranian and Russian forces has not yet been ruled out – Political scientist Jakub Katulski comments on the events in Syria: At night, rebels entered Damascus, claiming they had liberated the capital and led to the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, forcing the authoritarian leader to flee the country. “The rebels did not overthrow the entire army,” the expert said.
– It appears that Bashar al-Assad will not rule Syria, at least for a while, but this does not mean the end of the Syrian civil war. Because the situation could become even more complicated in the coming days – says Jakub Katulski, political scientist and Middle East culture expert at Polsat News East.
Syria: Bashar al-Assad has long been supported by Russia and Iran
He stressed that Assad has allies in the countries he takes refuge in. “It has been operating for many years thanks to foreign support, thanks to the support of Iran and Russia, which ensured its functioning during the almost 14-year civil war,” Katulsky explains.
See: Unrest in Syria. Media: Bashar al-Assad has fled the country. We are talking about “regime collapse”.
– The rebels who reached and occupied Damascus did not overthrow Assad's entire army. His forces control coastal provinces, including the strategic province of Latakia. It is not clear whether they will be able to maintain it for much longer, but if there is a counterattack, it will be from this direction, experts point out.
The political scientist explains why the rebels have been able to so easily conquer subsequent towns in recent weeks, according to their claims. Katulsky said this is due to mass desertion of Syrian soldiers, likely due to lack of pay, equipment and training opportunities. -For this reason, the various Syrian army garrisons did not resist the rebels and protect these strategic cities, – explains the expert.
Syrian rebellion. What impact will this have on Europe?
“Given the number of rebel groups, it is unlikely that they will be able to communicate well enough to make Syria work under their control and achieve a peaceful transfer of power,” Katulsky stressed.
When asked about the world's reaction to events in Syria, the political scientist pointed out that Israel has already strengthened its border with Syria. “In terms of European security, if the situation escalates, the refugee crisis could become even more serious,” the expert says.
– However, if a peaceful transfer of power is achieved, Syrian refugees may begin to return to Syria. This is an ideal situation for us, says Katulsky.
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