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Nia Simpson
Egypt and Jordan Encourage Assad to Resign Amid Rising Tensions in Syria
Egyptian and Jordanian officials have allegedly suggested that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad should step down and form a council with opposition members. Despite these offers, Assad remains in Syria while facing a significant offensive from rebel forces in key areas, particularly Homs. The situation raises concerns about the potential collapse of his government and subsequent regional destabilization.
Recent reports indicate that Egyptian and Jordanian officials have proposed that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad resign and establish an interim governing council that includes opposition representatives. This information, however, has been denied by the Jordanian Embassy in the United States. According to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal, as of December 6, President Assad remains in Syria despite growing concerns among Arab nations, including Qatar and the UAE, about the potential collapse of his government and subsequent regional instability.
The Syrian president has reportedly appealed to Turkey for intervention and requested arms from Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, and the UAE, all of which have rebuffed his requests. Currently, the city of Homs is the last significant urban area under the control of Assad’s government, as it connects Damascus to territories controlled by rebel forces. Should Homs fall, analysts predict catastrophic consequences for the Assad administration. Jerome Drevon, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, noted: “If Homs falls, I don’t see how the regime will be able to survive.”
There has been an aggressive offensive by Syrian rebel and militant groups in the northwestern Idlib province, notably the terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) along with units of the Syrian National Army (SNA). These groups have made rapid gains, capturing crucial towns and cities in the Aleppo province. Russian military forces are actively engaged in countering this offensive, conducting airstrikes against rebel positions. Furthermore, the Syrian army recently undertook a strategic withdrawal from Hama, a city with a significant population, citing the need to protect civilians.
The context surrounding the ongoing Syrian conflict involves multiple actors and a complex interplay of regional politics. President Bashar al-Assad’s regime has faced relentless opposition from various rebel factions since the onset of the civil war. The stability of his government is threatened by armed movements in numerous regions, particularly in Homs and Idlib, which are vital areas of control. The involvement of regional powers such as Egypt, Jordan, and Turkey, each with their own interests, adds another layer of complexity to the situation. The international community remains concerned about the humanitarian impacts and the potential for wider regional instability due to the conflict.
In summary, the offer for Bashar al-Assad to leave Syria reflects the increasing urgency among Arab states regarding the Syrian government’s stability. The fall of key cities like Homs could signify a turning point, further destabilizing Assad’s regime amidst a surging offensive by rebel factions. With external powers actively involved, the dynamics of the conflict continue to evolve, emphasizing the need for solutions to ensure both regional security and humanitarian relief.
Original Source: eadaily.com
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