Assad ouster/ Syria collapse/ Middle East reactions/ global stability/ U.S. in Syria/ Syrian refugees return/ WASHINGTON/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The sudden collapse of Bashar Assad’s regime in Syria has sparked celebrations among expatriates and neighboring countries, but also fears of instability. While nations like Turkey and European powers express hope for Syria’s future, others caution against infighting and regional turmoil. The U.S., with 900 troops still in Syria, remains focused on preventing an ISIS resurgence.
Assad’s Fall in Syria: Global Reaction Quick Looks
- Celebrations Erupt: Syrians at home and abroad celebrate the end of Assad’s rule.
- Border Security Tightens: Lebanon and Jordan close borders; Israel seizes a buffer zone in the Golan Heights.
- Concerns About Instability: Fears grow of infighting among Syrian rebel groups, mirroring past regional conflicts.
- European Unity: EU leaders welcome Assad’s fall but stress the need for rapid stabilization.
- Mixed Middle Eastern Reactions: Iran calls for dialogue, Turkey hopes for reconstruction, and Yemen celebrates the regime’s end.
- U.S. Stance: Biden emphasizes vigilance against ISIS, while Trump discourages further U.S. involvement.
Global Reactions Split on Assad’s Fall in Syria: Celebration & Concern
Deep Look
The sudden collapse of Bashar Assad’s regime in Syria has sent shockwaves through the Middle East and beyond. After more than a decade of brutal civil war, the ouster of the long-time leader has ignited celebrations, concerns, and questions about Syria’s future.
A Region in Flux
Expatriate Syrians and citizens across the Middle East expressed jubilation at Assad’s fall, marking what many see as the end of 14 years of oppressive rule. Refugees in Lebanon began returning home, despite the uncertainties of life in a country still reeling from years of war.
“This is a feeling we’ve been waiting 14 years for,” said Malak Matar, a refugee heading back to Damascus. Others echoed cautious optimism, hoping Syrians could rebuild their country.
However, skepticism persists. Observers in neighboring countries fear that Syria could follow the trajectory of Libya or Yemen, where the fall of authoritarian regimes led to prolonged infighting among rebel factions.
Middle East Reactions
Syria’s neighbors responded swiftly, tightening border security to prevent potential fallout. Lebanon closed all but one border crossing with Syria, while Jordan suspended its primary crossing.
Israel seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights, citing security concerns after Syrian troops abandoned their positions. Airstrikes targeted Syrian military installations, further heightening tensions. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the temporary nature of these actions.
European and Global Perspectives
In Europe, Syrian expatriates celebrated in cities like Paris, London, and Stockholm. European leaders welcomed Assad’s ouster but stressed the importance of a stable transition.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described the regime’s fall as a “positive and long-awaited development.” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged all sides to prioritize civilian safety and maintain order.
Russia, Assad’s primary backer throughout the conflict, expressed concern over the dramatic turn of events. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha criticized Assad’s reliance on Putin, suggesting that his downfall mirrored the fate of other dictators allied with Moscow.
U.S. Stance and Regional Implications
The U.S. maintains 900 troops in Syria, primarily working alongside Kurdish forces in the northeast. On Sunday, American airstrikes targeted more than 75 ISIS sites. Biden assured that the U.S. would remain “clear-eyed” about the risks posed by power vacuums in Syria.
President-elect Donald Trump, however, took a different stance, urging non-involvement. “This is not our fight,” he stated on social media, signaling a potential shift in U.S. policy toward Syria.
Hopes and Fears for Syria’s Future
Syria’s future remains uncertain as rebel groups navigate the next steps in governance. The fall of Assad may offer an opportunity for reconciliation and rebuilding, but it also risks plunging the country into further conflict.
The international community, including the U.S., Turkey, Iran, and European nations, faces the challenge of supporting a peaceful transition without exacerbating regional tensions.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.