In the chaotic, war-torn Middle-East, the latest development is the overthrow of the Syrian Government. On Saturday, December 7, Syria's President Assad flew to Russia as rebels approached Damascus. In the wake of the insurrection, the Syrian people are wary of what turmoil the coming week, and months, will bring.

As of Monday, December 9, an eerie calm prevailed on the streets of Damascus. No violence, gunfire, or boisterous behavior was evident. No police or army patrolled the streets. The citizenry peacefully waited in lines to buy bread. Lines also appeared at the doors of banks.

At this point, no one knows what governmental structure will take shape. It could be that the existing constitutional framework will continue, at least for some time.

The rebels who instigated the ousting of President Assad are thought to hold allegiance to ISIS. How any revolutionary force can rule the country is a question which remains to be answered. Russia seems to have no interest in propping up any newly-fashioned government. The military bases in the country are of little strategic value to Russia. Iran has enjoyed the use of positions in Syria to launch attacks on Israel, which has already claimed the buffer zone between it and Syria. If the Syrian economy collapses, humanitarian aid may be required to provide food, medicines, and other relief to the population. The West seems to be taking a wait-and-see attitude before committing aid to the country.

John Fray, December 9, 2024