“Iran-Allied Syria on the Verge of Collapse or Defection,” Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, 12-3-24.

“US Deepens Sanctions on Iran’s ‘shadow’ Tankers,” Marine Link, 12-3-24.

“Who are Iran Quds Force officers deployed to Syria amid rebel offensive?,” Al Monitor, 12-3-24.

Hezbollah either refuses to participate, or Iran only willing to use Iraqi proxies.  Either way, bad news for Assad.  “Iraqi fighters head to Syria to battle rebels but Lebanon’s Hezbollah stays out, sources say,” Al Monitor, 12-3-24.

“Israel Fears Rebels, Iranian Militias Will Use Syria War to Get Assad’s Chemical Weapons,” Haaretz, 12-3-24.  Iran has allowed these to never be completely destroyed.

But will they?  “Iran says ready to deploy forces to Syria,” Iran International, 12-3-24.

This article is a reminder that deterrence is important.  When Pres. Obama agreed to not strike Syria because Russia promised to collect all of Syria’s chemical weapons, what did the U.S. do when Russia didn’t follow through?  “Israel’s chemical weapons stockpile is a global threat, Iran warns,” MROnline, 12-3-24.

“2024: The year of setbacks for Iran and its axis,” MEMO, 12-3-24.

Things may be falling apart.  “Iran expresses Syria frustration to Turkey in a tense visit,” MEE, 12-3-24.

Mismanagement and blame continue on for years.  “Iranian president sounds alarm on depleted foreign reserves,” Iran Internationa, 12-3-24.