As Washington hardened its stance towards the current Syrian President Basher al- Assad, his main ally Russia might be looking for his successor for a future compromise. Washington has been demanding that Bashar al- Assad be removed from power as a part of a political settlement in Syria.
According to reports, first published in Germany’s Spiegel magazine, the Russian President Vladimir Putin might be preparing General Suheil Al-Hassan of the Syrian regime to replace Basher al-Assad, with whom Russia has worked since 2015 and was awarded several medals in recognition of his bravery and combat achievements. The latest medal was awarded to him by Russia in August 2017.
The magazine also reported that Assad might assassinate Al- Hassan if he threatens his rule. However, we don’t believe that might be the case if Mr. Hassan does enjoy the backing of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
If the reports turn out to be true, a political settlement in Syria might be around the corner and get reached by 2019.
