In 2016, Iran-commanded militias and Russian bombings helped Assad reclaim Aleppo. However, the city fell again in 72 hours, reigniting Syria’s civil war. Iran blamed Israel, but the real issue was the weakened state of Assad’s forces, similar to the Afghan army’s collapse. Additionally, Turkish President Erdoğan’s geopolitical moves against U.S.-backed Kurds and tensions with Assad contributed to the situation. The Syrian Arab Army was demoralized and weaker than it appeared, leading to Aleppo’s rapid fall.