By Amir Taghati
Change is happening in Syria after years of heavy conflict have taken their toll. It is time for Iran to leave so that the country can start the rebuilding process. Iran (along with Russia) has enabled President Bashar al Assad to consolidate his power and the Syrian regime has regained control over large parts of Syria.
The seven-year civil war that has led to so much bloodshed is the result of the failed revolution in 2011. The Syrian military, with the exception of those that joined the Free Syrian Army, remained loyal to Assad.
Western governments had backed a viable political opposition but that ship has now sailed.
It is uncertain whether the Memorandum of Understanding signed by Russia and Turkey will be implemented. It would involve the creation of a buffer zone that will not allow heavy weaponry so as to avoid a military offensive. This has not stopped a large portion of the civilian population from Idlib from fleeing to government-controlled areas.
A number of groups have already expressed opposition to the agreement and have said that they will not comply. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that his troops will remain in the country for the time being to make sure that there are no further violations and to maintain some level of stability.
Assad wants to regain full control over every single part of the country. The United Nations and the West have warned Assad of a humanitarian disaster and he has allowed the Russian-Turkish plan on the basis that it is temporary.
Former U.S. President Barack Obama has played a part in Assad’s success. Obama disregarded his own red line when it came to the use of chemical weapons and moderate fighters were left high and dry.
Current U.S. President Donald Trump, since before taking office, has raised the issue of Iran and its interference on countless occasions. He has recognised Iran as being the most destabilising actor in the Middle East and he is taking steps to counter its malign influence. His administration has said that it wants Iran, and its powerful proxies and militias (including the Lebanese Hezbollah) to leave Syria immediately.
Israel has also said that it will not accept Iran or any of its proxies or militias close to its border.
Now it is up to Russia and Syria to force Iran out of the country. The war is wrapping up and Assad really needs to focus on reconstruction efforts and international aid so that the millions of people that were displaced can return.
The risk for Assad is that the United States and Israel will refuse aid if Iran remains present. It is also expected that several Gulf nations and European countries will follow suit.
Iran is standing in the way of the reconstruction of the state. If conditions such as democratic and fair elections are attached to the provision of aid, the people of Syria could – under the watchful eye of the international community – finally be able to look to the future without fear.
