Assad's regime collapse reshapes power dynamics in Syria and the Middle East

The sudden fall of Syria's Assad regime has shifted the Middle Eastern power dynamics, surprising U.S. intelligence. The collapse raises questions about the future of Iranian and Russian influence in Syria and the potential for new negotiations with Iran. Rebel leaders may seek to remove Iranian and Russian forces from Syria or negotiate with them. The U.S. faces challenges in managing the power vacuum left by Assad's ouster, with concerns about the rise of extremist groups. Iran, caught off guard by the regime's collapse, may reconsider its nuclear ambitions amid increased vulnerability. The situation presents a complex landscape for the incoming Trump administration as it navigates U.S. interests in the region.