The Syria War ends the Assad family’s rule as HTS rebels seize Damascus; Bashar Al-Assad flees to Moscow under Russian asylum.
The Syrian conflict, marked by over a decade of devastation and international intrigue, reached a dramatic climax when rebels led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) toppled the Assad family’s five-decade rule. The Syria War saw Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad forced to flee Damascus, the nation’s capital, ending a 24-year rule steeped in controversy and violence. This pivotal moment in the Syria War reshapes not only Syria’s political landscape but also alters alliances across the Middle East.
A Legacy Left by Hafez Al-Assad
The Assad family dynasty began with Hafez Al-Assad, who took power in 1971, creating an authoritarian state that tied military power to political oppression. Hafez fostered an intricate relationship of patronage with Iran, Russia, and Hezbollah while tightening an iron grip around Syria with the feared apparatus of security. His son, Bashar Al-Assad, came to office in 2000 with promises of reform but has delivered oppression as the war over Syria was unleashed in 2011.
Bashar Al-Assad’s Last Days in Office
Bashar Al-Assad’s downfall started with an unexpected push by HTS on November 27, 2024. Being known for their Islamist leanings and military accuracy, the HTS rebels launched a lightning campaign, rapidly capturing strategic cities like Aleppo and Hama. On December 8, Damascus finally collapsed, marking a turning point in the Syria War and signaling the end of Bashar Al-Assad’s regime.
A very striking example of this collapse was when icon-statuaries of Hafez Al-Assad tumbled down in the center of Damascus after a wave of rebels stormed into the city. It highlights how the Al-Assads were spurned by the people, as the Syria War tipped the power balance in favor of HTS.
The Role of International Allies
The survival plan for Bashar Al-Assad to a large degree rested on external support. Russia and Iran were the pillar backers who gave his regime a lifeline during the Syria War. However, in the final days of the Syria War before he left, his allies had given a clear indication that his time was running out by suggesting citizens flee Syria. It was speculative, but it was later confirmed that the Al-Assads fled to Moscow under Russian protection.
Russia’s Ambassador to Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov, emphasized this loyalty, stating, “Russia does not betray friends in difficult situations.” This asylum decision, however, has sparked questions about Russia’s long-term intentions in Syria and the Middle East.
HTS and the Future of Syria
HTS has emerged as a strong power in Syria, both in military tactics and grassroots support. Unlike previous rebel factions, HTS demonstrated the ability to coordinate and execute a swift campaign during the Syria War against the Assad regime. Their rapid success in the Syria War raises questions about the future governance of Syria and the implications for regional stability.
Middle East News and Global Reactions
The collapse of the Assad regime has been felt all across the Middle East as other nation-states prepare for ripples expected to emanate from a vacuum left by this former state.
This would create competing interests around regional and global players in and out of Syria, heightening geopolitical complexity in one of the most volatile regions across the world.
A Nation at the Crossroad
ria
Conclusion
The long-running Syria War took hundreds of thousands of lives and destroyed the country. The overthrow of Bashar Al-Assad and the fall of the Al-Assad regime marked a tectonic shift in Middle Eastern politics. As HTS solidifies its foothold, the world watches with bated breath, wondering whether Syria can finally achieve peace or if the cycle of conflict will continue.
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