WANA (Dec 08) – The leadership of Bashar al-Assad in Syria has been both a challenge and an opportunity for the Islamic Republic of Iran and for Assad himself.

 

However, the victory of armed extremist groups could ignite unrest across the region and even Europe. This marks only the beginning of the Resistance Axis’ confrontation with Israel and the United States.

 

Syria has faced a powerful conspiracy and aggression orchestrated by an international coalition led by the United States, Israel, and Turkey.

 

Their strategic aim is to sever Iran’s ties with the Resistance Front, create divisions within the Islamic world, diminish Iran’s influence, and confine its regional power to within its borders.

Iran’s presence and influence in the region are distinct from that of other powers. It is not limited to military engagements but encompasses spiritual, ideological, intellectual, technological, and cultural dimensions.

 

This influence will not disappear even if Syria’s government falls. While part of Iran’s connection to the Resistance Front, including Hezbollah, depends on land routes through Syria, Hezbollah itself has grown into a self-reliant force with substantial reconstruction and defense capabilities.

 

Challenges and Resilience of the Resistance Axis

Israel has repeatedly failed to achieve its military objectives against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, culminating in enforced ceasefires. These failures followed similar setbacks for the United States in the region.

 

Israel, in its bid to halt its string of defeats, shifted focus to Syria. However, this strategy has not altered the reality of its precarious existence, acknowledged even by its own leadership. As Israeli officials candidly admit, they are now fighting for their survival.

 

Iran utilized Assad’s presidency to strengthen the Resistance Front and stabilize governance in Syria. Yet, Assad’s failure to heed Iranian recommendations for bolstering public support, economic reforms, and fostering a culture of popular defense contributed to his government’s vulnerabilities.

 

Factors like public dissatisfaction over economic hardships, military corruption, and misplaced trust in foreign promises have weakened the Syrian regime. These mistakes became evident when Assad hesitated to formally request Iranian assistance, even as it was clear his government lacked the capacity to withstand the onslaught.

A Broader Conflict on the Horizon

The victory of extremist armed groups would spark unrest across the Middle East and Europe, becoming a pernicious and ominous global threat. Even Turkey, despite its alliance with the U.S. and Israel to fulfill its geopolitical ambitions, will not be immune.

 

As stated by the late General Qassem Soleimani, Turkey’s aspirations for territorial depth in northern Syria are akin to sharpening a dagger that could ultimately harm itself.

 

This is only the beginning of the Resistance Axis’ broader struggle against Israel and the U.S. While Syria plays a pivotal role, it is only one battlefield among many.

 

The conflict spans Yemen, Iraq, Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran. Wars involve victories and setbacks, surprises and ambushes. What matters is the ability to draw lessons from each stage and apply them to future fronts.

 

Overcoming Cognitive Warfare

Amid this intense confrontation, psychological warfare aimed at fostering despair, division, and self-doubt within societies is a key tactic of the adversary. However, like past challenges, this crisis can serve as an opportunity to emerge stronger. Success lies in resilience and using adversity as a catalyst for empowerment.

 

The Resistance Axis remains committed to its vision, undeterred by obstacles. The ongoing struggle is far from over, and with divine guidance and steadfast determination, it seeks ultimate victory in the broader battle for justice and sovereignty in the region.