Link to Article: https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2024/12/02/pro-iranian-militias-enter-syria-from-iraq-to-aid-syrian-army-sources-
One week ago on December 2nd Iranian backed militias entered Syria through its eastern border with Iraq. This intervention comes as a response to a lightning offensive launched by the “Hayat Tahrir al-Sham”. An Islamist organization previously affiliated with Al-Qaeda and designated as a terrorist organization by the US, Russia, and The UN. This offensive has driven back Bashar al-Assad’s’ forces, taken Aleppo, and even threatens to seize its capital of Damascus. Hundreds of soldiers from Iraqi based, yet Iranian supplied militias have crossed the border and have begun to fight Assad’s enemies in the east. Iran has also publicly declared support for the Assad government and has increased involvement with actions such as airstrikes and massed bombing campaigns.
This intervention into Syria isn’t an unexpected one. Assad’s government has been a long time ally of both Russia and Iran in the region, and due to the threat of its collapse, it would be in Iran’s interests to have a strong ally in an already isolated middle east position. Ever since Russias invasion of Ukraine, the Russians have slowly been decreasing their involvement in Syria. Decreased support of the Assad government has allowed for the offensive launched by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. This lightning strike has threatened to completely collapse the Assad government and possibly even end the civil war for good. The Iranian intervention comes due to Iran’s isolated position in the Middle East. Iran, being the only officially Shia nation in the world. Iran needs allies in order to defend against threats from Saudi Arabia and other gulf states, if Assad’s government falls, then Iran loses an incredibly important ally in the Middle east and could completely neuter any Iranian attempts to exert their influence. Syrian opposition forces should expect to have to fight a long fight in order to finally defeat Assad. Irans determination to keep Assad in power might be just enough to turn the scales in his favor. This event can be connected back to class via the idea of Realist theory. Iran needs friends and allies. Without allies, Iran loses its ability to exert its influence in the middle east. without allies, Iran cant survive, which is what has driven Iran to such drastic measures to support the Syrian government.