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In conclusion, the steady deterioration of the position of the Assad regime and the heightened support by regional actors to the Syrian opposition seem to indicate that the tide of the conflict has once again turned against Syrian government forces. Unless a political process gets underway soon, Bashar al-Assad may be toppled in the not too distant future. Concomitantly, even if greater assistance from Iran and its allies enable him to survive and stave off defeat for now, it is difficult to envisage that a continuation of the war of attrition would ultimately work in his favor. Iranian President Rouhani asserted recently that Iran would stand by al-Assad “until the end of the road.” Indeed, the end may come sooner than many expect. Irrespective of whether it comes sooner or later, the end though may be far worse than many could imagine. In view of the protracted nature of the Syrian conflict, the radicalization and brutalization of Syrian society, and the influx of foreign jihadists supported by some of the West’s regional allies, the fate awaiting Syria and its people may be far more hellish than under the rule of the Ba’ath.
full: http://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/iran_syria_end_of_road.pdf
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