Uncertainty in Syria Following the Fall of Assad

After a 54-year rule, the Assad regime was toppled last weekend by a rebel advance that managed to overthrow the regime without much of a fight, largely because Assad’s forces deserted as the rebels advanced, while allies Russia, Iran, and Iranian proxy Hezbollah failed to come to Assad’s rescue (in Syria, at least). Israel followed up in a clean sweep operation, conducting nearly 500 airstrikes in 48 hours, taking out strategic Syrian military targets to avoid them falling into the hands of whatever new leadership emerges from the…