The Syrian conflict took a complex turn in 2013 when foreign powers became increasingly involved. Russia backed Assad, while the United States and its allies supported rebel groups. This foreign intervention escalated the conflict, and the war became a proxy battleground between regional and global forces.
A major turning point occurred in 2016 with the Syrian government’s victory in the battle for Aleppo, Syria’s largest city. The rebels, who had held eastern Aleppo for four years, were forced to evacuate under a ceasefire agreement. This victory was a significant blow to the opposition and paved the way for Assad to consolidate his power.
Over the past two years, the Syrian opposition has become increasingly fragmented and weakened. Many rebel groups have been defeated or reconciled with the government, while others are still fighting but lack the resources and support to topple Assad. International pressure, particularly from Russia and Iran, has also contributed to Assad’s victory by preventing a full-scale foreign intervention.
With Assad’s victory, the Biden administration faces a difficult decision. The United States has been supporting the Syrian rebels and calling for Assad’s removal from power since 2011. However, with Assad now firmly in control, Washington must reassess its approach to Syria.
“The Biden administration has several options,” said Dr. Peter Margulies, an expert on Syrian affairs at the American Enterprise Institute. “It can continue to support the rebels, but that’s unlikely to make a practical difference. It can also try to negotiate a political settlement with Assad, but that would require concessions from both sides.”
Another option for the United States is to focus on counterterrorism efforts in Syria. “Assad is a brutal dictator, but he’s also been an effective force against ISIS,” said Dr. Margulies. “The US needs to work with Assad to ensure that ISIS does not regain a foothold in Syria.”
After seven years of war and suffering, Bashar al-Assad has emerged victorious in Syria. The United States and its allies must now reassess their approach to the conflict and decide how to deal with Assad’s victory. The consequences of their decision will have wide-ranging implications for the future stability and security of the Middle East.
