Egypt and Jordan have reportedly offered Syrian President Bashar al-Assad the option to leave and form an interim council with opposition representatives. Assad remains in power while the threat of losing Homs, the last major controlled city, looms large. Military support requests from Assad have been denied by neighboring countries as rebel offensives escalate. The situation remains critical for Assad amidst fears of regime destabilization and regional impact.
Recent reports from The Wall Street Journal indicate that officials from Egypt and Jordan have presented an offer to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to leave Syria and establish an interim council composed of opposition representatives. Despite such claims, the Jordanian Embassy in the United States has publicly denied these assertions. As of December 6, Assad remains in Syria, amid growing concerns among various Arab nations regarding the potential fall of his government and the subsequent destabilization of the region.
Sources assert that President Assad has sought military assistance from Turkey and arms from Egypt, the UAE, Jordan, and Iraq; however, these requests have reportedly been denied. Homs, currently the last significant city under government control, is strategically vital due to its location along the route between Damascus and rebel-held territories, housing approximately 800,000 residents. The loss of Homs would critically undermine the Syrian authorities’ access to the Mediterranean coastline, where the Alawite community, loyal to Assad, is predominantly situated.
Jerome Drevon, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, warned, “If Homs falls, I don’t see how the regime will be able to survive.” Meanwhile, Syrian rebels, particularly the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group and elements of the Syrian National Army, have launched a substantial offensive in northwest Idlib Province, managing to capture several strategic towns and villages in Aleppo Province. The Russian military continues to support the Syrian government by conducting airstrikes against rebel positions.
Recently, the Syrian army’s retreat from Hama, the fifth-largest city in Syria and home to approximately 500,000 people, has raised alarms; military officials labeled this maneuver a “temporary tactical measure” aimed at safeguarding civilians. As the situation progresses, the implications for both the Assad regime’s stability and regional security remain critical concerns.
The ongoing conflict in Syria, which began in 2011, has led to immense turmoil and shifts in power dynamics, both within the country and in the surrounding region. The Assad government’s hold on power has been compromised by various opposition groups and foreign influences. Homs stands at a pivotal point in this conflict, given its historical significance and geographical location, representing a battleground that could determine the future of the Assad regime. The involvement of regional players, such as Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, and the UAE, reflects broader geopolitical interests in maintaining stability in the Middle East amidst a fragile landscape.
In summary, the challenges faced by President Assad, particularly the potential loss of Homs, signify critical threats to his regime’s continuity. The geopolitical maneuvers of regional players such as Egypt and Jordan highlight the urgency of the situation, while the apparent refusal of military assistance by neighboring countries raises questions about Assad’s future. The ongoing military offensives by rebel forces further exacerbate the volatility in Syria, making the region a focal point of international attention and concern.
Original Source: eadaily.com
