Whether this is a long- or a short-term move, the move itself is undeniable. And yes, it’s complicated. Unmentioned in the article is that those troops may be needed elsewhere - during the Green Revolution of 2009 Iran imported a lot of foreign muscle as well as recalling much of its own to provide internal security through the Bassij. Internal conditions in Iran continue to destabilize as a result of disease, crop failure, and especially the loss of oil income, itself due to the joint challenge of a diminution of Chinese demand and drastically lower prices. If the mullahs do have to fight it out, it will be in Tehran, not Aleppo.
“Internal conditions in Iran continue to destabilize as a result of disease, crop failure, and especially the loss of oil income”
The collapse of Iran’s available resources is truly epic. It must have an impact - quite possibly (probably) it is the real driver in the draw down. Military pressure and a constant stream of casualties add to the pressure.
More mission and less resources, until the donkey’s back breaks.