Damascus: Syrians awoke on Monday to a new chapter of uncertainty and hope, as rebel forces took control of Damascus, prompting President Bashar al-Assad to flee to Russia. This marked the end of a 13-year civil war and over five decades of authoritarian rule by the Assad family.
The swift advance of a rebel coalition led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group with roots in al-Qaeda, signified a seismic shift in the Middle East’s political landscape. Assad’s departure eliminated a key stronghold for Russian and Iranian influence in the region. Russian media confirmed that Assad and his family were granted asylum in Moscow, with Russia’s ambassador to international organizations, Mikhail Ulyanov, confirming the news on his Telegram channel.
World leaders cautiously welcomed the fall of Assad’s regime, recognizing it as a chance to reimagine the region’s future. U.S. President Joe Biden called the moment pivotal, noting it is the first time in years that neither Russia, Iran, nor Hezbollah has a foothold in Syria. However, HTS remains designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S., Turkey, and the United Nations, despite its efforts to rebrand as a more moderate force.
Japan’s chief cabinet secretary, Yoshimasa Hayashi, noted Tokyo’s close monitoring of developments, while experts highlighted the profound implications of Assad’s ouster. Iran’s ability to arm regional allies and Russia’s control of its Mediterranean naval base could be significantly diminished. Additionally, the end of the conflict may provide a chance for millions of Syrian refugees to return home, ending years of displacement in neighboring countries.
The challenges ahead are daunting. Decades of conflict have left Syria’s economy in ruins, infrastructure decimated, and its people deeply scarred. Rebuilding will require extensive international aid, with estimates running into billions of dollars. Rebel leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, called the moment a historic turning point, urging unity and hard work to rebuild Syria as a beacon for the Islamic world.
Scenes of emotional reunions unfolded as political prisoners, long held under brutal conditions, were released en masse. Families celebrated tearful reunifications while freed detainees roamed Damascus, holding up fingers to symbolize their years of captivity. Emergency teams, including the White Helmets, searched for hidden detention cells across the city.
Despite initial chaos, including looting of Assad’s presidential palace and some commercial centers, Damascus remained calm under a rebel-declared curfew. Rebel leaders announced plans for a transitional governing body to oversee the transfer of power and promote inclusivity in a diverse nation of Sunnis, Christians, Alawites, and others.
The global reaction has been mixed, with fears of further instability as regional tensions escalate. The U.S. Central Command reported airstrikes against Islamic State targets in central Syria, while Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the importance of protecting civilians in discussions with Turkey’s defense minister.
The fall of Assad’s regime ends a war that began in 2011 as a popular uprising, spiraling into one of the most devastating conflicts in modern history. The war’s aftermath reshaped the Middle East, created one of the world’s largest refugee crises, and reverberated across Europe. As Syria turns a page, the world watches closely to see what comes next.