What’s going on in Aleppo, Syria? There is so much nuance required. Here’s a few things to pay attention to: - the opposition to Assad’s regime (which absolutely must fall) is comprised of multiple different competing factions - these factions each have foreign financial backers that are motivated by their own interests - some factions include Islamist groups such as HTS with its roots in Al Qaeda, and ISIS. HTS endorses a Salafist-jihadist ideology which opposes Israel and the west and seeks to establish an oppressive (Sunni) Islamic state under Sharia law with strict dress codes for women. They also oppose other opposition forces for their secular/democratic ambitions. - the SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces) are a Kurdish coalition that seeks autonomy in the northeast region. - Turkey backs the SNA (Syrian National Army) which also opposes Assad’s regime (they all do) but in addition, because it opposes the Kurdish forces (SDF, see above). Turkey’s objective is to prevent an autonomous Kurdish region across its southern border/northern Syria, where it seeks to relocate millions of Syrian refugees. It also seeks to extend its own influence across the region as it enjoyed before the collapse of the Ottoman Empire at the turn of the 20th century. - On the other side of the opposition is Assad’s regime, supported by Russia and the Islamic regime in Iran, particularly through its proxy, Hezbollah - it’s a good thing that the opposition is now forcing Hezbollah forces to retreat and providing a meaningful challenge to Assad’s regime, freeing Syrian political prisoners and such. At the same time, the Islamist factions of this opposition must NOT gain traction or power in Syria. - Islamist factions are always the best funded and supported by international powers because of their radicalism, which is considered efficient in guerrilla warfare. - While the overthrow of Assad’s regime is absolutely vital, one authoritarian regime must not be replaced by another. Islamist groups intend to do exactly that, and turn Syria into another Islamic Republic under Sharia law. At this time, the situation is developing and it’s best to keep an eye on the moving parts. Overall, the opposition to Assad’s regime is good, the empowering of Islamist groups is not.
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