Part 7/8:
Several critical factors explain why this surge in rebel offensives is happening now. The primary backers of Assad's regime are preoccupied with other conflicts or have seen their resources stretched thin. Hezbollah, for example, has suffered significant setbacks from confrontations with Israel and has drawn back its forces in Syria. Simultaneously, Russia is embroiled in its war with Ukraine, reducing its military footprint in the region.
Turkish negotiations with Assad, particularly concerning Kurdish groups near its border, have also failed to yield substantive agreements. As tensions rise due to these unresolved issues, Turkey seems to be leveraging the situation, seeking to influence Assad while maintaining pressure on him.