‘It’s quite clear that the recent lightning success of Syrian rebel groups is due in part to the distraction of the Assad regime’s essential patrons. For more than a decade, assistance from Russia and Iran has shored up the twin pillars of Assad’s rule: repression and fear. But today, Russian attention and resources are tied up in protracted war of aggression in Ukraine. And Iran is busy propping up a network of terrorist proxies that Israel has dealt savage blows.’