Regional and International Changes, and the Fate of the Iranian Regime After the Fall of the Assad Regime
January 20, 2025, 12:09 pm

Regional and International Changes, and the Fate of the Iranian Regime After the Fall of the Assad Regime

عيد النعيمات

The fall of the Assad regime in Syria imposes a new reality regionally and internationally, forcing global powers to deal with the consequences on the ground after the Iranian regime's arms and connections have been severed in Syria and Lebanon. Will the international community reassess its stance to stand by the Iranian people in their quest to change the regime and establish a democratic alternative?

We all acknowledge from Iran to Iraq, the Gulf, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, and Yemen that democratic change in Iran is necessary, as it will bring stability and prosperity to the entire region, including revolutionary Syria, which has triumphed and toppled the destructive system allied with the mullahs—a system that dealt with the Syrian people and their revolution according to a scorched earth policy. Jordan was not far from this policy and paid a heavy price for it, being targeted under the pretext of urgent necessity for the liberation of Palestine. Yet, they have not liberated the Golan Heights or Palestine, and neither Gaza nor Lebanon will bring them anything other than inciting international powers in favor of Israel and supporting its genocide and displacement efforts. That war was merely a key to the collapse of the resistance axis, sacrificed dramatically and swiftly, which did not align with the clamor and screams we had heard. Despite the immense sacrifices endured by the Syrian people, they managed to reclaim their country, despite the destruction and desolation that remained in the form of fragile remnants of ruins. In light of Israel's disgraceful haste to destroy what remained of weapons and factories, the people acted with the hopes that had long been awaited; for it, all sacrifices and losses diminish in comparison to the victory that restores life to a people that has suffered under the tyranny and oppression of its leadership.

After the devastation in Gaza and the displacement of its people, and the destruction and annihilation in Lebanon; all this occurring under the watchful eye of the international community, which dealt with these disasters indifferently, viewing them as part of the Arab region where they seek to exert more pressures to subdue through the Iranian regime and its regional tools. However, today, after the mullahs' defeat in Syria and Lebanon and their sacrifices for the resistance axis, their prestige has waned, and they no longer have much to proceed with in terms of maneuvering, bargaining, and extortion. After the collapse of their regional crescent project, they now face a cautious retreat in Iran, Iraq, the Gulf, and Yemen.

The question today is, what does the Iranian regime have left to maneuver with? Is the nuclear project still a means that can be used for negotiations, or has nuclear weaponry become a fait accompli, awaiting the right moment for announcement, as some have hinted and as U.S. officials and the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency have stated? Are the rumors about Iran's missile projects coupled with its move towards acquiring nuclear weapons one of the means of maneuvering in light of the regime's defeat in Syria, Lebanon, and the region? Has the Iranian regime entered a phase of retreat and then death, which may compel a certain global trend to comply with the demands of the Iranian people simply by standing beside them, resisting, and recognizing the legitimacy of their struggle and their right, alongside the resistance units, to defend themselves against the Iranian regime's repressive apparatus, especially the Revolutionary Guard, as former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stated?

As "lovers of humanity and sincere champions of our countries, regions, and their peoples," we seek salvation for the Iranian people and stability for the region... salvation that protects the victory of the Syrian revolution and its gains and nurtures a glimmer of hope in Lebanon... salvation that liberates Yemen and Iraq and restores security and stability to the region... and this can only be achieved by implementing the ten-point platform proposed by the Iranian resistance, which aligns with the interests and needs of the countries and peoples of the region and meets the aspirations of all components of the Iranian people.

Yes, we see the free international powers standing by the Iranian people and their resistance, but this is not enough. The international legitimacy must recognize the suffering of the Iranian people and acknowledge their right to confront the dictatorial, oppressive, and tyrannical conditions that have afflicted lives, dignity, and beliefs among certain segments of the Iranian people who suffer from racism. Will the international community and its institutions move forward alongside the Iranian people in light of the regional and global changes that have occurred, or will it maintain its policies, imposing its tools on the region?

Tomorrow is near for those who have eyes to see...

Dr. Eid Al-Naimat / Former Jordanian Parliament Member

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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.