QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Iran is accelerating pace to control over all aspects of Syria. For this, it has recruited thousands of military personnel and clerics among others. The aim is to secure a permanent foothold of influence into the Middle East.
In 2021, Iran started a new stage of consolidating its presence in different vital aspects in Aleppo city, northern Syria.
Soon, features of the presumed stage started to appear as Iran opened a consulate and an attached economic office in Aleppo. Not only that, it went more to implement some essential projects in the Shiite religious sites preparing for a long stay inside Aleppo and its countryside.
In May, the Iranian Consulate was inaugurated in Aleppo, a move described by monitors as a new method by Iran to increase its expansion and influence in Aleppo.
The consulate turned to be a pilgrim travelled to by Iranian traders, industrials, dignitaries and commanders of Iranian-backed militias, as newspapers published.
Educational Sway
In a report published in 2019, the Washington Institute for Near East Policy said “another development that indicates Iran’s goal of establishing a multigenerational presence in Syria in the Assad regime’s decision to open Farsi-language department in several educational institutions, including Damascus University, Baath University in Homs, and Tishreen University in Latakia.”
“The courses offered by theses departments come with a wide array of incentives to boost the number of Syrians they reach: students are not required to enroll in full-degree programs to attend; youths below university age are eligible. The courses include trips to Iran,” the report added.
Moreover, Iran started to commemorate its victories on stages and cultural centers and holds forums to its Shiite clerics in the Syrian universities and cultural centers.
Just two days ago, Aleppo University and the Iranian Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research signed a memorandum of understanding to develop “joint cooperation” between the two sides for the next five years, renewable, by the presence of the Dean of Aleppo University and the Iranian Consul.
According to the memorandum, scientific database research and achievements shall be exchanged between the two parties and short-term exclusive training courses shall be implemented in Aleppo University by Iranian professors.
The academic board and the Master students in Aleppo University and the Iranian Center exchange short-term trips research, and admission in scholarships.
A report by a study center specialized in the Syrian issue identified Iran as the “most dangerous” player in Syria in terms of the Syrian social fabric, its composition, and its cohesion. Iran’s educational projects aim to make a comprehensive change in the Syrian society.
Multiple penetration
Aleppo is Iran’s “economic outlet”, economic observers say. Iran takes advantage of the poor living condition of the Syrian in Aleppo, where long years of war has destroyed it economy, in order to spread Shiism.
Iran focuses mainly on Aleppo, Syria’s economic capital, because it wants to make it a base for upcoming operations that ensures Iran the profits of its sustained and long presence, according to media reports.
“Iran pushes social, religious, and economic programs designed to win underserved communities who may not be ideologically aligned with Tehran but lack viable alternatives,” Washington Institute said.
After Syria expelled Iran’s Quds Force commander, Saber Ramin, the new leader of Aleppo Defenders Corps, backed by Iran, supervises the task of spreading Iran’s ideology in Aleppo.
In early December, Saber Ramin visited Jaoer Jieos Church in Aleppo and met the bishop Shukri Tuma, secretary of Christian community councils.
Photo
Aleppo-based children club comprises schools, nurseries and entertainment centers.
Muhammad Sultan, is the director of children club. He is from Nubl city, northern Aleppo and he is one of ex-leaders in Nubl and Zahraa factions backed by Iran.
All this came as Russia and Iran contest over what is left in Syria as the war is grinding down. The two want to fully control joints of the Syrian economy, according to experts of the Syrian issue.
One research study said Russia instructed Israel to oust Iran in terms of military field from Syria or at least limit its presence in Syria.