Author: Supriya Jena

In late 2012, when the Syrian government was weakening from rebel attacks, a surprising story emerged. It claimed that former President Bashar al-Assad made a secret deal with Israel to guarantee his safe escape from Syria. According to Turkish media, Assad shared important military secrets, including the locations of weapon storage sites and military bases, with Israel. This information helped Israel carry out airstrikes while Assad was fleeing to Russia.

A Turkish journalist named Abdulkadir Selvi wrote for Hurriyet, saying that Assad gave Israel a detailed list of where Syria kept its weapons and planes. This was supposed to make sure that Israeli fighter jets wouldn’t attack Assad’s escape plane. Selvi said his source was trustworthy, but it’s important to note that these claims haven’t been confirmed. Nonetheless, the timing of Israeli airstrikes right after Assad’s departure makes the allegations seem more believable. Israel aimed at military depots shortly after Assad left.

Israeli airstrikes began on December 8, 2012, focusing on key military targets to stop advanced weapons from falling into the hands of extremist groups. Reports from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) noted major destruction, including a blast at a weapons base in Tartus that was so big, it felt like a small earthquake. The Israeli Defense Forces claimed they were trying to prevent dangerous weapons from reaching extremists.

Assad managed to escape Syria on a helicopter to Russia, where he was given refuge by President Vladimir Putin. The operation was highly secretive, and Russian intelligence helped make it happen. Assad even changed his plane’s identification signal to avoid being seen. He reportedly did not inform most of his advisors about his escape plans, causing confusion among the leadership in Syria.

After Assad left, a new leader named Ahmed al-Sharaa took over in Syria. Unlike Assad, he did not want to create more tensions with Israel. He remarked that Israel had crossed a line, which could lead to more problems in the region. Al-Sharaa acknowledged that the long war in Syria made it tough for anyone to engage in new conflicts.

As rebel forces advanced toward Damascus, they took control of much of the capital, forcing Assad to leave. After he fled, Israel’s airstrikes on Syrian military sites led to questions about how accurate these operations were.

Despite the intriguing timing and details of this story, many are skeptical about the truth. Observers note that Russia, a strong supporter of Assad, played a crucial role in his survival and escape. It seems unlikely that Russia would have agreed to a deal with Israel that could harm its interests in Syria. Furthermore, without solid evidence, the claims remain uncertain, showing how complicated alliances and betrayals influenced the ongoing conflict.

A senior official from the White House has warned that Pakistan’s development of powerful missiles, especially long-range ones, could be a growing threat to the United States. Jon Finer, who advises on national security, spoke at an event and expressed worries about Pakistan’s missile technology, which could potentially reach targets far beyond South Asia, including the U.S.

Recently, the U.S. imposed sanctions on four Pakistani organizations. This includes the National Development Complex (NDC), a key player in Pakistan’s missile program, and three companies from Karachi. This is the first time a Pakistani state-owned entity has faced U.S. sanctions for missile development, highlighting serious concerns from the American government.

Finer pointed out that the advancements in Pakistan’s missile technology, such as long-range missiles, raise alarms about their intentions. He noted that only a few countries, like Russia and North Korea, currently have the capability to threaten the U.S. with missiles. This puts Pakistan’s actions under a spotlight.

Traditionally, Pakistan’s missile and nuclear programs were aimed at countering India, with which it has had multiple conflicts since 1947. However, Finer’s comments suggest that Pakistan might be shifting its focus toward confronting broader global threats.

In response to the U.S. sanctions, Pakistan claims that its missile and nuclear programs are necessary for its security, especially against India. Pakistan argues that its missile efforts are defensive, but U.S. officials remain skeptical. Finer shared that the U.S. has repeatedly raised concerns but has not received satisfactory explanations from Pakistan.

The relationship between the U.S. and Pakistan has been complex. They have worked together in fighting terrorism but have also had periods of tension, especially after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. This has made their relations even more complicated.

Finer’s remarks come at a time when the U.S. is worried about Pakistan’s increasing ties with China, which have been linked to the growth of Pakistan’s missile capabilities. Pakistan has developed around 170 nuclear warheads since its nuclear program began in the 1970s, and its advancements in long-range missiles are seen as a big step forward.

As these developments continue, there are growing concerns not just for the region but also for the global implications for U.S. security. The U.S. is seeking solutions to address these threats. Finer’s comments highlight the increasing scrutiny on Pakistan’s missile technology as it may pose a direct challenge to U.S. safety.