Mon Dec 09 14:04:55 UTC 2024: ## Syrian Opposition’s Early Gains: Domestic Factors Key, Says Expert
**BEIRUT** – The surprisingly swift early advances made by Syrian opposition forces against the Assad regime were not solely due to external factors, according to Professor Stephen Zunes. In a recent analysis, Zunes highlighted critical *domestic* vulnerabilities within the Assad government that contributed to the initial uprising’s momentum. While the specifics of Zunes’ findings weren’t detailed, the analysis suggests that pre-existing societal fissures and internal weaknesses within the regime, rather than solely external support, played a significant role in the opposition’s initial successes. Further research is needed to fully understand the interplay of internal and external pressures, but Zunes’ work underscores the importance of considering the internal dynamics within Syria in assessing the early stages of the conflict.
First Piper 