Statement of the Communist Party of Pakistan on the U.S.-Backed Seizure of Syria by Jihadists

A new victory has been achieved by American imperialism and its allies in the Middle East. The government of Bashar al-Assad in Syria has been overthrown, and a jihadist regime has been imposed. Earlier this year, the government of Sheikh Hasina Wajid in Bangladesh was also toppled, a development lamented by progressive forces worldwide. The fall of these governments is indeed regretful, as reactionary forces continue to gain ground. These developments bring triumphs to American imperialism, which has long exploited reactionary forces to dominate Muslim-majority countries. This has resulted in repeated defeats for progressive, secular, and democratic forces. However, it must be acknowledged that the policies and conduct of the rulers in these countries have largely contributed to these outcomes.

These were not socialist governments. Despite references to socialism in their party programs, they neither adhered to socialist principles nor advanced a socialist agenda. Socialism was merely a superficial inclusion in their political platforms. The recent developments in Syria are a joint operation by the United States, Turkey, Israel, and Ukraine. The incomplete agenda of the Arab Spring has now been fulfilled. The timing of this offensive was strategically chosen—while Iran is embroiled in direct conflict with Israel, and Lebanon and Palestine are entangled in war. Simultaneously, Russia remains bogged down in Ukraine. Taking advantage of these circumstances, this offensive was launched. If Russia or Iran had deployed their forces to defend Bashar al-Assad’s government in Syria, it could have provoked Israel into attacking Iran, while NATO forces might have seized the opportunity to invade Russia through Ukraine. Militarily, the United States united various groups to carry out this operation.

While Bashar al-Assad’s government may have been patriotic, it cannot be considered progressive or democratic in the true sense. A government that suppresses the opposition, lacks democracy, and exists in a society deeply divided along tribal and sectarian lines, where different religious sects are in constant conflict, cannot be regarded as a truly patriotic government. Assad’s family has ruled Syria for 54 years under the guise of nationalism and socialism, but instead of addressing deep-rooted contradictions, they were suppressed through force. The consequences have been catastrophic. The fall of Assad’s government and the establishment of a jihadist, U.S.-backed regime is both tragic and disastrous for Muslim-majority countries. This will further embolden jihadist forces in other regions. The unfortunate reality is that the end of dictatorship has not resulted in the rise of a secular or democratic government but has instead handed victory to reactionary forces. New power games, dictated by American and Zionist strategies, are now unfolding in the Middle East. Israel has already launched an offensive toward Lebanon and reportedly occupied the Golan Heights in Syria. After the jihadists’ victory in Syria, their assurance of not harming Russian bases or interests raises questions: did Russia facilitate this transition? The answer will emerge in the coming days.

However, it is a fact that since the U.S.-backed civil war from 2011 to 2016, America had already seized control of Syria’s oil reserves under the pretext of keeping them from falling into the hands of ISIS. These reserves remain under U.S. control, economically crippling the Syrian government and depleting its military capabilities. Out of an army of 350,000, only around 130,000 demoralized soldiers remained. When a country’s own army is incapable of fighting, how long can foreign forces defend it?
With the jihadist seizure of Syria, Russia’s influence in the region will significantly diminish, resulting in a defeat for the Russia-China bloc and a victory for the U.S.-led bloc. Religiously, one sect has faced defeat while another has gained power.

Our party believes that these developments will have dire consequences for the Syrian people in the coming days. The Communist Party of Pakistan expresses its solidarity with the Syrian people and progressive forces. Communists must refrain from rejoicing or lamenting the battles between imperialist blocs or reactionary forces. Instead, they should focus on strengthening their work, organizing struggles based on the real issues of the people, training party cadres, and intensifying efforts to lead the masses toward a people-friendly transformation—a socialist revolution.9

With our fraternal greetings,

The Communist Party of Pakistan