Rebels toppled the Assad regime in Syria after a brutal 13-year civil war. "With the overthrow of Assad, Iran has been dealt a strategic blow, meeting overarching US objectives to diminish and dismantle Iran's so-called axis of resistance," she said. The US provided training and support for some rebel groups, notably Kurdish militias and moderate groups, but stopped short of direct involvement in the conflict. Both countries will likely act "swiftly" to strike favorable deals with emerging power brokers in Syria, he said. AdvertisementHowever, he said another risk is that Syria breaks into territories controlled by competing militias and warlords, which he said would turn Syria into a potential base for terrorist activities.

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