Assad regime falls/ Syrian rebels take Damascus/ Syria political transition/ HTS offensive/ Bashar Assad flees/ post-Assad Syria/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Syria’s 50-year Assad family rule ended Sunday after a lightning rebel offensive captured Damascus. President Bashar Assad fled the country as opposition forces declared victory and freed prisoners. Celebrations erupted across the capital, but the country now faces an uncertain future with calls for an orderly political transition. The swift fall of the regime leaves Syria’s allies, including Russia and Iran, scrambling to adapt.
Syria’s Political Collapse: Quick Looks
- Damascus Captured: Rebels seize the capital after 10 days of rapid advances across Syria.
- Assad Flees: The Syrian president’s whereabouts remain unknown after reports he left the country.
- Rebel Declaration: Opposition announces the establishment of a “free Syrian state.”
- Celebrations and Chaos: Damascus residents celebrate, but looting and panic buying occur.
- Calls for Transition: International leaders push for urgent talks to stabilize Syria.
Deep Look
Assad Regime Falls in 10 Days
The Assad regime’s 50-year grip on Syria collapsed in dramatic fashion as rebel forces swept across government-held territory, culminating in the capture of Damascus. The offensive, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), marked the largest gains for opposition forces in years.
Celebrations in Damascus
Damascus residents filled the streets in jubilation, chanting anti-Assad slogans and firing celebratory gunshots. In central squares, Syrians waved revolutionary flags, while others ransacked government buildings and the Ministry of Defense.
“I can’t describe my happiness,” said Omar Daher, a lawyer whose father was killed and brother detained by Assad’s forces.
However, the celebrations were accompanied by panic buying as stores ran out of staples like sugar, and long lines formed at the Lebanese border as people attempted to flee potential chaos.
Assad’s Whereabouts Unknown
Reports suggest Bashar Assad fled Damascus on Sunday, though his destination remains unclear. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed his departure, and Iranian state television cited Qatari reports of his escape.
Assad’s flight highlights his isolation. Allies like Russia and Iran, preoccupied with other conflicts, offered little assistance during the rebel advance. Hezbollah, once a critical supporter, has been weakened by a yearlong war with Israel.
Rebel Offensive and Its Leaders
The HTS-led offensive began on November 27 with the capture of Aleppo, Syria’s largest city. Within days, the rebels seized Hama and Homs, key strategic cities that paved the way for their march on Damascus.
HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has worked to rebrand the group, distancing it from its al-Qaida origins and promoting pluralism. However, HTS remains classified as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the United Nations.
International and Regional Reactions
The rapid collapse of Assad’s regime has left the international community scrambling to respond:
- United Nations: Special envoy Geir Pedersen called for immediate talks in Geneva to ensure a peaceful transition.
- Russia and Iran: Assad’s primary backers face diminished influence as rebels consolidate power.
- Qatar: Hosted an emergency meeting of regional powers, including Saudi Arabia and Turkey, to discuss Syria’s future.
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump reiterated his non-interventionist stance, stating the conflict was “not our fight.” Outgoing President Joe Biden’s administration echoed a similar sentiment.
Challenges Ahead for Syria
Syria now faces significant hurdles in transitioning to stability:
- Governance: Establishing a unified government that represents all factions and ethnic groups.
- Security: Managing armed groups, including HTS, Kurdish forces, and remnants of ISIS.
- Rebuilding: Addressing widespread destruction and ensuring the return of displaced Syrians.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.