CITY after city in Syria is falling into rebel hands as Bashar al-Assad`s government looks increasingly vulnerable in the face of an opposition blitzkrieg. The first serious challenge to the Syrian regime in years came late last month when rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham a `reformed` hard-line group stormed Aleppo. Since then, Hama and Daraa have also fallen, while the opposition is at the gates of Homs. Meanwhile, armed Kurdish groups, backed by the US, have taken over Deir ez-Zor. If the current trajectory continues, it may not be long before the rebels march into Damascus. Of course, the primary concern for all along with the safety of the Syrian people should be the possibility that a military offensive led by extremists may succeed in taking control of one of the key states in the Middle East. HTS is an offshoot of Al Qaeda, and counts various other extremist and sectarian groups as allies. If it conquers Damascus, will it impose a vision not too different from the self-styled Islamic State group? The days ahead will provide the answer.

Ideally, the Assad government should enter into dialogue with moderate opposition groups, and ensure an orderly transition of power that can stop further bloodshed. Syria`s neighbours and international forces should also encourage a negotiated settlement, instead of fanning the flames. As it is, Syria has become a chessboard for foreign players, with Russia and Iran backing Mr Assad, while the US and Turkiye lend the opposition a hand. In the meantime, Israel watches with delight as one of Iran and Hezbollah`s key allies is on the brink of collapse. Any future arrangement must protect Syria`s territorial integrity, while its multi-confessional and multiethnic character must also be preserved. Most importantly, Syria cannot become a new beachhead for extremist groups. Those foreign forces egging on the `moderate` hardliners must keep this in mind, lest they create another monster.