The US and Israel conducted dozens of airstrikes on 8 December 2024 targeting Syria, following the dramatic collapse of the Assad regime. This occurred amid concerns that radical and terrorist groups could exploit the current situation in Syria.
Syria’s war drew in several regional and world powers, many of whom have expressed views on the opposition’s takeover. The United States has long backed Kurdish-led forces in Syria’s northeast. US President Joe Biden described the fall of Assad as an “act of justice,” adding, “Syria is at a moment of opportunity, but also risk and uncertainty.”
Both Benjamin Netanyahu and Joe Biden have claimed credit for the fall of the Assad regime. There is some merit to these claims.
This is what the US and Israel represent!
The US and Israel are reshaping the Middle East to suit their interests, argues Matt Duss of the Center for International Policy. According to Duss, executive vice president of the Centre and former foreign policy adviser to Senator Bernie Sanders, the two countries have no intention of stabilising the region. He explained to host Steve Clemons that the US and Israel are working in lockstep to create a so-called “new security arrangement.”
With full US support, Israel is free to wreak havoc in the occupied Palestinian territories and Lebanon, strike Syria at will, and plan further attacks on Iran. The US overthrew the secular AL government in Bangladesh on 5 August 2024 through a short-lived military coup, installing a puppet regime led by Dr. Yunus. This regime is dominated by anti-Bangladeshi liberation forces, their present-day successors, and extremist Islamist groups. These actions recall the oppressive pre-1971 Pakistani influence and contradict the founding values of Bangladesh.
On 10 December 2024, the Israeli military conducted its largest air operation yet, targeting Syrian military airports in Damascus, Homs, and Hama. The strikes reportedly destroyed air defence systems, hangars, warplanes, and helicopters. According to Israeli Army Radio, the operation significantly degraded Syria’s military capabilities.
On 8 December 2024, Syrian rebels seized control of Damascus, marking the end of Bashar al-Assad’s 24-year reign, which followed his father’s nearly 30-year rule. Assad fled to Russia, bringing an end to a long civil war. Syrians are celebrating as they free people from regime prisons and prepare to transition away from decades of autocratic rule.
Al Jazeera reported four bombings near a village on Damascus’s outskirts on 9 December 2024. Meanwhile, Israeli forces launched extensive attacks on three military bases near the capital, causing severe damage.
The rapid downfall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime has left many astonished. Despite years of corruption, decay, and oppression, some had hoped Assad might reform during the Arab Spring of 2011. However, he did not.
Israel, the US, and the UAE pressured Assad to distance himself from Iran. However, military actions by Israel, US weapons assistance, and complications from Russia and Iran’s influence hastened the regime’s fall. The rebel group HTS, led by Abu Mohammad al-Julani, has called for tolerance among communities, but Syria remains rife with armed groups vying for power.
Turkey’s President Erdogan has maintained the autonomy of Idlib and is expanding Turkey’s influence in Syria. Yet, Syria’s future remains uncertain. As with Libya and Iraq, a power vacuum could plunge the country back into civil war and instability.
Syria needs a unified, orderly reconstruction plan free from foreign interference and cycles of retaliation. Only then can Syrians determine their future independently.
Lebanon’s Hezbollah condemned the increased Israeli strikes on Syria, supporting Syria’s people while denouncing Israel’s actions in the Golan Heights. “We affirm our support for Syria and stress the necessity of preserving its unity,” it declared.
Saudi Arabia criticised Israel for seizing an UN-patrolled buffer zone in the Golan Heights, accusing it of violating international law and undermining Syria’s stability.
Brazil evacuated its diplomats from Syria, relocating them to Beirut due to the unrest. This decision followed attacks on state buildings and embassies in Damascus.
Israel informed the UN Security Council it had taken “limited and temporary measures” in a demilitarised zone bordering Syria to counter threats to residents of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.
The Italian government announced a suspension of Syrian asylum applications following discussions led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the Golan Heights, occupied for nearly 60 years, should remain part of Israel “for eternity.” He thanked former US President Donald Trump for recognising Israel’s annexation of the territory during his first term.
On 9 December 2024, the US imposed sanctions on Bashar al-Assad’s father-in-law, a day after Assad fled to Russia.
The UK’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer demanded HTS renounce “terrorism and violence” before Britain would engage with them, stating a clear “red line” on terrorism.
Turkey-based Syrian opposition groups reported that Turkey is helping rescue detainees from Syrian prisons, including Sednaya.
Millions of refugees may return home from Lebanon, but some Syrians are fleeing Syria, uncertain about the future.
European countries, including France, Sweden, and Germany, are suspending asylum applications from Syria due to the changing circumstances.
Israel’s airstrikes have reportedly targeted military sites housing anti-tank missiles and anti-aircraft weapons, deliberately destroying perceived threats.
Syrians face a hopeful yet uncertain future after rebels seized Damascus, ending more than 50 years of Assad family rule.
If the US ceases meddling in the internal affairs of independent nations, the writer strongly believes 95% of global violence and conflict will dramatically decrease, leaving the world more peaceful and liveable for all.
