Bashar al-Assad's rule ends as rebels capture key Syrian cities

Bashar al-Assad's rule in Syria has ended after a rapid offensive by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rebels. The group captured key cities, including Aleppo and Homs, and reached Damascus, leading to al-Assad's flight to Moscow for asylum. The shift in power may benefit Turkey, which supports the Syrian National Army, while complicating the situation for Iran and Russia, both of which have backed al-Assad. The new reality raises questions about the future influence of these countries in Syria. Israel has expressed optimism about al-Assad's removal, viewing it as a potential advantage against Iranian influence. However, HTS's ties to al-Qaeda pose risks, as the group opposes Israel's existence. The U.S. response to this changing landscape remains uncertain.