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"Turkish-Iranian-Russian" meeting in Doha amid complex reality in Syria

Military and political pressures are increasing on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, amid a decline in overt support from his traditional allies, Russia and Iran. Reports indicate that both Moscow and Tehran have begun to rearrange their interests in Syria, moving away from strong commitments to Assad's survival, which exposes him to complex political and military challenges.
Recently, there have been rumors about Asma al-Assad and her children traveling abroad. Meanwhile, Iran has stated that Bashar al-Assad's fate remains uncertain. Diplomatic sources confirmed to "Syrian TV" that some Arab and Gulf states have suggested he leave the country until the situation on the ground becomes clearer.
On the other hand, Lebanese sources told "Syrian TV" that Lebanese officials informed Hezbollah that the United States, Turkey, and some Arab countries are seriously supporting efforts to topple the Syrian regime and Bashar al-Assad's rule.
In a statement, the TASS news agency reported Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova as saying that the foreign ministers of Russia, Turkey, and Iran will hold special meetings regarding the Syrian crisis in Qatar.
For his part, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani pointed out Assad's failure to communicate with his people or address pressing issues like the return of refugees during the relative calm of the war, stating that Assad has not taken advantage of this opportunity to strengthen his relationship with his population.
On the ground, significant changes are occurring in southern Syria, where opposition factions and anti-regime groups have managed to seize large areas of Daraa, Suwayda, and Quneitra. These factions have succeeded in taking important military positions, raising doubts about Assad's ability to regain control.
There is an increase in military preparations by opposition forces in central Syria, as the "Military Operations Administration" seeks to advance toward the city of Homs after successfully establishing control over the cities of Aleppo and Hama and expelling regime forces from Idlib province, representing a significant blow to the regime's capabilities.
Politically, the military decline coincides with increasing discussions about Assad's future, with questions surrounding his ability to continue in power amid weak support from his allies. Recent moves by Russia and Iran indicate new trends in the alliance map, where strategic interests appear to be more important than previous commitments to the regime.
In this context, Bashar al-Assad realizes he is trapped both internally and externally, with his political and military options declining like never before. As reports suggest a decrease in Assad's confidence in his allies, speculation is growing about the regime nearing a turning point that could determine its fate in the near future.
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BENEFIT AGM approves 10%...
- March 27, 2025
BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).
Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.
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