The opening of a new chapter in the Middle East can be gauged from multiple aspects: domestic, international, and regional. World politics is changing. After the Ukraine-Russia and Palestine-Israel wars, another chapter of war is opening.

Syria’s conflict since 2011 has been fueled by regional and global players seeking geopolitical clout, turning it into a hotspot for proxy wars.

No one is aware of the conditions of Syria and its war-torn history. Syria has been in conflict since 2011. Multiple global players have been engaged in this region to maximize their power or strengthen their geopolitical clout. Syria remained the place of proxy wars, sectarian and ethnic conflicts.

Whether they are Arabs or other members of minority groups; all have fallen prey to divide-and-rule politics. Syria was a peaceful and prosperous country before 2011, before the civil war erupted within the country. Over the period of time, regional and global players started to engage in this civil war on the pretext of helping allies or safeguarding the masses.

Historically, Syria was a part of the Ottoman Empire until World War One. Following the war, it became a French mandate under the Sykes-Picot Agreement, which divided Ottoman territories between European powers. Gaining independence in 1946, Syria experienced political instability marked by a coup and power struggle.

In 1970, Hafeez al Asad seized power and brought authoritarian rule to Syria. The son of Hafeez, Bashar al-Assad succeeded his father in 2000. Assad ruled the country until 2011, when the Arab Spring started and people demanded to have democracy in the country. The peaceful protests dealt with harsh and strict actions, resulting in the civil war in Syria. Due to the political instability, several militant groups started to consolidate power and captured areas in Syria under their control.

Undoubtedly, regional and global players engaged themselves in the war and consolidated their position to have geopolitical influence in the region. Iran and Russia supported President Assad and also backed the Hezbollah group. On the contrary, Saudi Arabia backed militant groups to challenge the Assad regime.

The Zainabiyoun group’s potential return to Pakistan could revive sectarian tensions and strengthen militant networks.

Meanwhile, Türkiye backed anti-Assad factions such as Kurdish groups. The US-led coalition focused on defeating the ISIS group. Terrorist and militant groups have also taken part in the civil war, such as ISIS and others. A proxy war started in the region where respective countries supported their allies and leaders to win the war and grab power in Syria.

Due to the proxy war, thousands of people have been killed in Syria. The airstrikes and the use of chemical weapons affected the rights of the inhabitants of Syria to live a peaceful and healthy life.

While discussing the implications, it is worth mentioning seeing its impact on Pakistan as well. The terrorist and militant groups are still present in Syria; the Zainabiyoun, ISIS and others are still operating there. At the time of the arrival of the new regime of HTS, the Zainabiyoun group consisting of shite Muslims would strengthen its foothold in Pakistan and create sectarian divide here.

The splinter groups of Zainabiyoun are active in Parachinar Kurram district, backing shitte Muslims. This arrival of Zainabiyoun will revive other militant and terrorist groups, such as Sipah -e- sahba, Jaish al Adal, and Lashkar e Taiba dominated by the Wahabi group of people. Similarly, the axis between HTS, al Qaeda and Afghan Taliban will hurt ISKP in the region.

Taliban and AL Qaeda already welcome HTS government. The presence of shite fighters in Syria would return to Pakistan, when new regime will push them out. However,  ISKP and Iran backed shite proxies share a common enemy. After Iran and Afghanistan, Syria is the third country to come under the control of Islamist forces.

The collapse of Assad’s regime weakens Iran’s regional influence, disrupting its supply routes to Yemen, Lebanon, and Gaza.

One can see that the militant dynamics are changing. The Islamist militant and terrorist groups are gaining victory over the strong regimes. Whether it is Afghanistan or Syria, the emerging Islamist forces are gaining victories and shocking the world.

The Assad regime was supported by Russia and the former government of Afghanistan, backed by the US, failed to consolidate power.  The victories of these forces are playing an important role in motivating others to struggle for power politics .

People are celebrating the collapse of the Assad regime and aiming to start a new peaceful era. Is it possible that the entry of rebel forces in Syria will not alarm regional or global players?. Or is it possible that the geopolitical, geoeconomic, and geostrategic ambitions of engaged players since 2011 will come to an end?.

Global politics is changing. Countries should engage new regimes to avoid their proximity with terrorist groups. The more the international world will not accept them, the more they will be preyed to manipulation. Although Asad has fled to Russia, the Russian government is likely to play a significant role in the impending political chaos in Syria to maintain its influence in the region.

Similar to Turkey’s involvement in the Kurdish region, as well as the actions of Gulf countries, Iran, and the USA. Israel is also sending its troops to Syria. Thus, it is undeniable that Israel is benefitting from this new episode of the Syrian conflict and drawing attention away from Gaza, where heavy bombs, artillery, armed drones, and starvation are being used.

The newly emerged group in Syria said they are open to friendship with everyone in the region, including Israel. Jolani said in an interview that we don’t have enemies other than the Assad regime, Hezbollah, and Iran. What Israel did against Hezbollah in Lebanon helped us in a great deal.

A destabilized Syria risks becoming a hub for transnational militancy, threatening global security and stability.

Iran’s Axis of Resistance groups are already in a weak position, and the overthrow of the Assad regime further diminishes Iran’s influence in Syria, which served as a crucial route for Iran to supply arms to its militants in Yemen, Lebanon, Gaza, and other countries.

In the evolving scenario, Israel has strategically addressed border threats. Including, the elimination of Hamas from Gaza, strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon, and actions in Syria.

The removal of Assad’s authoritarian rule may create a vacuum that could exacerbate sectarian tensions. This may lead to localized conflicts between different ethnic and religious groups, undermining any chances for long- term stability. The war in Syria has broader implications for global security, including terrorism and the flow of arms. A destabilized Syria could become a hotspot for transnational militancy, posing threats beyond the region.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.