The ‘Anti-Assad Triangle,’ comprising Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Syrian Opposition Forces, and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), has recaptured significant parts of Aleppo in a surprise offensive, pushing back regime forces weakened by the absence of strong support from Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah. Turkey has backed this coalition to pressure Assad, while Israel benefits from the disruption to Iranian and Hezbollah infrastructure in Syria. However, regional security concerns persist, with potential re-engagements by Iranian forces, Hezbollah, and Russian interests to stabilise Assad's crumbling hold on power. The coming days will test the regime's ability to regroup or face further losses.
In a concerning escalation of tensions, the Israeli military has reported that 34 rockets were fired from Lebanon towards Israel, with at least four landing in Israeli territory. While the latest exchange of fire follows violent clashes between Israeli police and Palestinians at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem, it is the assessment of Midstone Centre that the instigation of tension in the region has been in the plans of the Iranian regime and its proxies for some time.
With Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the House with a Republican majority, it is widely assumed that there will be some shifts in US Foreign Policy. There are several countries in crisis that could benefit from a change of approach from Washington, whether it’s increasing development projects, increased…