The Vacuum in the Middle East
14 December 2024
As the world turns its gaze toward Syria and the alleged atrocities committed by the Assad regime, it is vital to approach this complex situation with a nuanced understanding. While I do not condone the violence, chaos, and terror that plague the Middle East, it begs the question: are we, as a global society, so quick to forget the past? Are we allowing ourselves to be fed narratives designed to obscure the truth, effectively burying our heads in the sand like emus?
Let’s not forget that it was Russia that managed to halt the advance of ISIS at a time when no one else could, not even the so-called Coalition of the Willing. ISIS, with its brutal tactics of terror, rape, and an extreme interpretation of Islamic principles, wreaked havoc on Syrian and Iraqi societies, causing untold suffering. Assad, for all the brutality he has been accused of, maintained some semblance of control over ISIS with the support of Russia, Lebanese Hezbollah, and Iran.
When ISIS was finally defeated and its leadership decimated, many of its fighters found refuge in Turkey, leaving Assad exposed and his once-iron grip on Syria significantly weakened.
Turkey has long harboured concerns about the growing threat of Kurdish autonomy and has sought to expand its influence in the Middle East. Strategically positioning itself, Turkey has aimed to become a major power player, consistently finding ways to benefit from regional conflicts. Through clever manipulation of geopolitical dynamics—taking advantage of Russia’s involvement in Ukraine, Israel’s military engagements in Gaza, and its successful operations against Hezbollah—Turkey has effectively employed former ISIS fighters to undermine Assad’s regime.
This situation, however, might not have unfolded had Turkish intelligence accurately predicted the outcome of the American elections. Turkey has a history of outmanoeuvring its regional partners, and what we witness in the current Syrian leadership appears to be a wolf in sheep’s clothing. It is crucial to approach the images of underground prisons and alleged human rights abuses with scepticism. Many of those now in power in Syria have ties to the very terror groups we seek to condemn. Regardless of one’s stance on Turkey, it is essential to recognize its geopolitical prowess. Turkey has shown it can adeptly navigate the interests of major powers, playing the United States, NATO, and the West against Russia, Iran, and their allies.
In the background, Israel has quietly emerged as a significant player in this chaotic landscape. Despite facing criticism for its actions in Gaza, Israel has strategically targeted the Syrian Army’s weaponry, taken control of key strategic locations like Mount Hermon, and effectively dismantled the leadership of Hezbollah and other terrorist factions. This calculated approach has allowed Israel to secure its interests while extending an olive branch to its neighbours.
Amidst this turmoil, China has quietly positioned itself as a formidable force. Through strategic influence and a stealthy approach, China has demonstrated its capability as a major player on the world stage, often benefiting from the chaos wrought by others. While the United States remains the most powerful nation in the world and is often viewed as the guardian of the free world, its global influence appears to be waning. The effectiveness of its power in addressing the ongoing crises in the Middle East leaves much to be desired.
We must remain vigilant and not be deceived by the narratives emerging from Syria suggesting that the new regime is fundamentally different from its predecessor. The images and reports we receive may paint a picture of compromise and a new beginning, but we must question the reality behind these portrayals. Who is truly pulling the strings, and how will the new regime respond to dissent?
History teaches us to be wary of tyrants. The likes of Hitler, Mao Zedong, and Stalin were leaders who wielded terror to maintain control over their societies. We must consider the legacies of figures like Saddam Hussein, Muammar Gaddafi, and Pol Pot when evaluating the Assad regime. The question remains: who is the real victor in this ongoing struggle?
In a world saturated with conflicting narratives and complex alliances, understanding the true dynamics at play in the Middle East is essential. As we reflect on the past and observe the present, we must remain critical and informed, ensuring that we do not lose sight of the lesson’s history has taught us. The vacuum in the Middle East is not just a geographical one; it is a philosophical and moral void that requires our attention and understanding.
Peter Adamis
Freelance Journalist