A Storm in Syria

We are enduring another storm with a silly name today, Storm Darragh!  Winds blow things across the west of the country, while we endure strong gusts and rain.  This is not to bead here but I remain indoors.

Once again graphic warnings were made, not to avoid catastrophe but to ensue no politician or weatherman is blamed for not warning of a storm.  If he fails a storm arises and they don't like that, especially when it is a 'Daily Mail' fake outrage storm.

Once upon a time we were warned a storm was approaching, it is December after all, and we sat it out.  Why do we need all this fuss?  We need less fuss and more action, and less silly names for a storm.

Daily Telegraph

 

A lightning attack in Syria might mean the end of the Syrian war, a war that began in 2011 with a local uprising.  The Assad regime has held on since then with Russian help, help that may be lessened by the war in Ukraine.  

It appears in this fast moving situation Aleppo and now the important city of Homs have been taken by the rebel alliance, an alliance if several Islamic groups and some with support from Turkey.  Fighting continues and reporting is rare at the moment  as journalists cannot enter some areas, and rumour always speaks louder than fact.

Israel's attacks on Hezbollah and Iranian backed groups has weakened Assad's control.  With Iran losing power and Russia looking for other ways to continue its influence Assad himself may have to flee.  Those Arab states that recognised his power have been very quiet, a disagreeable situation for him, and the loss of friends means the loss of control.

There are 27 million refugees in the world, a few million of them coming from Syria, many living in tents for many years.  Maybe, just maybe, there is a chance for them to return home.

But what then?  Israel is happy with a weak Assad regime, they will not be happy with a contentious Islamic gathering in Syria.  What happens now?