School of War Ep 164: Mark Dubowitz on Syria’s Collapse
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Dec 11, 2024 
Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a Middle East security expert, dives into the collapse of Assad's regime. He discusses the rising influence of Syrian rebels and the implications for Israel and Iran. Mark highlights the challenges posed by extremist groups and analyzes the precarious balance of power in the region. He emphasizes the need for a strong U.S. strategy regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions while underscoring the fragile state of regional dynamics amid renewed conflicts.
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Syrian Collapse
- Assad's regime collapsed due to a swift rebel offensive, surprising many.
- This was likely influenced by Israel's prior victories against Hamas and Hezbollah, weakening Assad's support.
Turkey's Role in Syria
- The Syrian rebels are a diverse group, with HTS at the forefront, led by the former jihadist, Jolani.
- Turkey, under Erdogan, supports these rebels, aiming to expand its influence in the region.
Assessing the Risk
- While Assad's removal is welcomed, the nature of HTS and Jolani raises concerns.
- Israel responded by securing the Golan Heights and launching airstrikes against Syrian military capabilities.