1898 DAMASCUS
Foreign Influence And Syrian Military Rearmament
Ahmad Sharawi and Edmund Fitton-Brown discuss the rearming of Syria under President Ahmed al-Sharaafollowing the fall of the Assad regime. Sharawi details how the Syrian military increasingly relies on foreign jihadists, Turkish-backed militias, and integrated veteran fighters to consolidate its armed forces. While Turkey exerts significant command influence, Syria also maintains vital economic and military ties with Russia. Sharawi highlights growing friction between Turkey and Israel, noting Israeli airstrikes against strategic facilities to enforce red lines. The United States continues diplomatic efforts to prevent direct conflict between Turkey and Israel within Syria's complex and volatile post-war environment. (8)