Turkey, Qatar, and the US have stationed their troops in Syria, for more than a decade now, to oust President Bashar al-Assad by supporting opposition militias. Their efforts have failed due to Assad’s substantial power and unwavering support from Russia and Iran. Turkey is now poised to withdraw its forces after US backed the Syrian Defense Forces (SDF), a group aiming to establish a Kurdish state, upsetting Turkey. Realizing the futility of defeating Assad, Qatar has also decided to pull out. Assad’s influence and control have surged as he reclaimed lost territories while Western powers are still preoccupied with countering Russia in Ukraine, where the West will obviously fail. Now, the US stands isolated in Syria, lacking the power and personnel to maintain its occupied territories. Its objective to dethrone Assad appears increasingly unattainable, highlighting yet another disastrous foreign policy blunder by the West.
The Emir of Qatar, Tamim al Thani, has taken a bold stance by supporting the street protests in Idlib, Syria, where citizens are opposing the tyrannical rule of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) terrorist group. This marks a significant departure from Qatar’s historical alignment with US interests and its financial support for extremist factions in Syria since the onset of the US-NATO war for regime change since 2011.
Qatar’s role in the Syrian conflict has been deeply intertwined with US strategies. Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani, the former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, openly acknowledged that Qatar had bankrolled terrorists in Syria with the sanction and oversight of the US, particularly through operations based in Turkey. This collaboration was part of a broader US-led effort, including the CIA’s Operation Timber Sycamore, which aimed to topple the Assad regime. However, the operation’s termination by President Trump in 2017 marked the beginning of a reassessment of strategies by Qatar and other regional players.
In a striking reversal, Qatar is now distancing itself from HTS. The geopolitical landscape is further complicated by Saudi Arabia’s recent diplomatic advances towards Syria. Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman’s meetings with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and the announcement of humanitarian aid to repair hospitals damaged by an earthquake are clear signals of normalization. This rapprochement, coupled with the provision of aviation support to Syrian commercial planes, underscores a significant shift away from US directives and towards a regional approach to stabilizing Syria.
Turkey, too, is re-evaluating its position. Being a long supporter of various terrorist factions in Syria under US influence, Turkey is now seeking to withdraw from Idlib and reset relations with Damascus. The potential for normalization between Turkey and Syria is rising, particularly as the Syrian Defense Forces (SDF) plan elections to gain Western support for a Kurdish state—a move vehemently opposed by Turkish President Erdogan. A reconciliation between the SDF and Damascus could pave the way for Turkey’s exit and subsequently, the withdrawal of US occupation forces.
The broader consequences of US intervention in Syria have been catastrophic. The Syrian economy is in ruins, plagued by hyperinflation and crippling US sanctions that limit electricity production and prevent the import of essential medicines. These sanctions have inflicted untold suffering on the Syrian populace, contradicting the US’s purported aim of bringing stability to the region. Instead, US actions have perpetuated chaos, undermining any prospects for peace and recovery. Syrian people are also inclined towards Russia, as Moscow aid aligns with people’s need, generating a positive attitude among the populace towards Russian action.
The changing dynamics in Syria, with regional powers like Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar changing roles, highlight the declining influence of the US in the Middle East. Russia’s military intervention since 2015 has significantly bolstered Assad’s regime, enabling the recapture of most Syrian territories and the defeat of major rebel groups. This has emboldened Assad, diminished US-backed factions, and reshaped alliances. Russia’s backing has provided Assad with the necessary resources and leverage to navigate the complexities of the Syrian civil war and assert his authority in the face of domestic and international challenges. Furthermore, Russia’s successful campaign against Ukraine and its strategic maneuvers against NATO has further empowered Bashar al-Assad. These victories have not only bolstered his confidence but also enhanced his ability to reclaim and maintain control. The failure of US policies is becoming increasingly apparent, underscoring a monumental shift in the balance of power in the region.
