The Assad regime in Syria has collapsed following a swift offensive by Syrian rebels, largely due to the weakened support from Russia and Iran. Russia is distracted by its ongoing conflict in Ukraine, while Iran has faced major setbacks after Israel's response to the October 7th attacks. The rebels, mainly composed of Turkey-backed Sunni Islamist groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) led by al-Jolani, have taken control, raising alarms about the future safety and stability of religious minorities in the region. This shift opens up opportunities for regional players such as Turkey, but it also brings significant risks, including the possibility of renewed civil war and broader instability in the Middle East. The United States should adopt a limited approach, focusing on preventing the resurgence of ISIS and supporting crucial allies like the Kurds and Druze.
