In a significant turn of events in Syria, opposition fighters have seized control of Hama, prompting fears for the strategic city of Homs, the next target for the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. This shift challenges President Bashar al-Assad’s grip on power as Russian and Iranian support appears less robust. The situation is complicated by the weakening of Hezbollah and Iran’s cautious approach, alongside potential gains for the Islamic State amidst the ongoing conflict. Assad’s military struggles with low morale and desertion threaten his regime’s stability.