Middle East expert Steven Heydemann does not see quick elections as a panacea for Syria. And he warns: A weakened Iran could succumb to a dangerous temptation.
Mr. Heydemann, why were the rebels successful after all these years?
A significant factor was the weakening of Iran, Russia and Hezbollah. Assad’s key allies were no longer able to provide the support they had provided in the past. Another factor was that the rebels were better trained and equipped and coordinated much better than before. In addition, the Assad regime was pretty hollowed out. Government forces were simply not prepared to defend their territory. Even the rebels may have been surprised at how quickly the regime collapsed.
