by Mike Whitney, Global Research: Whitney’s analysis of the sequence of events closely mirrors subsequent developments. Following Assad’s removal and the installation of former al-Qaeda leader Mohammad al-Jolani (now known as Ahmed al-Sharaa), the US-Israel alliance gained a new ally in Syria, paving the way for the bombing of Iran in late February 2026. —Global Research, May 6, 2026 *** Syria is an indispensable part of Israel’s ambitious plan to remake the Middle East.