The effects of the Aleppo operation continue. Opposition sources stated that senior commanders, civilian bureaucrats and politicians from the Assad regime region have contacted them and that there will be major ruptures in the near future. The regime MP interviewed by Türkiye Newspaper in Syria said, “The main cadre of the Baath left Damascus. They gave up hope for the future of the regime. All options are being discussed. “But despair is greater than ever,” he said.
“NOTHING WILL BE THE SAME ANYMORE”
Syrian researcher Bekir Atacan said, “The recapture of Aleppo by the opposition deeply affected the equation of Syria and even the entire Middle East. Nothing will ever be the same again and the fall of Bashar Assad and the Baath regime is inevitable. “At this point, Türkiye should develop political alternatives rather than military developments on the field and create alternative management cadres that will surround the whole of Syria,” he said.
“THEY ARE LOOKING FOR A WAY OUT OF THE DEFEAT”
Speaking to Türkiye Newspaper, a member of the Syrian People’s Assembly, who did not want his name to be written for security reasons, said, “In real terms, Aleppo was a much more important province than Damascus due to its strategic importance and economic potential. Currently, Assad and the Baath regime are stuck in Damascus. They are currently looking for a way out of this defeat. Aleppo literally had a domino effect.
“THE ARMY AND POLITICS ARE BOILING”
The dimensions of the collapse are very deep. The army, politics and bureaucracy are teeming. Possibilities such as sacrificing Assad and establishing an interim government are also being considered. In addition to the federation formula, the formula of changing the one-man structure and establishing a more democratic government by giving up the central government is also on the table.
Türkiye DETAIL
Not sitting at the table with Türkiye in the past two years is another reason for regret. There is also a discussion about who will be the intermediary to persuade Ankara to negotiate. But the hopes of those in power and the main actors of the regime are very weak. The thaw continues. We used all our strength but could not take Idlib. Aleppo is a dream now. If Hama falls, Assad cannot stay in this seat even for an hour. Even if they choose the path of further resistance, blood will be shed among themselves and the change will be very bloody. “Baath was a bridge, now that bridge has almost collapsed,” he said.
“THEY HAVE TWO PLACES LEFT”
Syrian expert Bekir Atacan said, “The opposition’s domination of the entire Aleppo was the beginning of the end for Assad. The fall of Baath and Assad cannot be stopped. Currently, Damascus’s communication with the eastern axis such as Hasakah, Raqqa, Manbij and Deir ez-Zor has been largely cut off. The connection between Homs and Hama has become difficult. Only Tartus and Latakia remained in their hands.
“TURKEY’S ROLE IS VITALLY IMPORTANT”
Israel, the USA, the PKK, the Gulf and other actors definitely see this change. They make plans accordingly. Moves will come according to the status quo, which consists of these centers. At this point, Turkey’s role is vital. Everything has changed on the field from top to bottom.
“IT SHOULD NOT TURN INTO AN OPPORTUNITY FOR PKK”
Ankara must definitely take political initiative; It should establish a government structure that includes Druze, Ismaili, Kurdish, Turkmen, Nusayri, Armenian, Arab and even other minorities. Once Assad falls, this government must gain political representation in a way that represents the whole of Syria, without leaving any room for hesitation in the international community and before a governance crisis occurs. It should be inclusive of all of Syria. The fall of Damascus, which has experienced serious divisions including the army and politics, should not become an opportunity for groups with different calculations, including the PKK and Israel. Otherwise, the country will be tragically divided.
“ANKARA DOES NOT HAVE THE LUXURY OF BEING LATE”
Turkey’s role will be decisive against threats such as Israel’s dirty ideals and the PKK terrorist corridor. Otherwise, Iran is calculating to become the determining power again. They started transporting terrorists from Iraq to Hama. They are trying to mobilize Russia and many centers. “Ankara does not have the luxury of being late,” he said.