World reaction to end of Assad rule in Syria | Reuters
Syrian leader Bashar Assad fled Damascus on Saturday, December 7, 2024, as rebel forces closed in on the capital, marking the collapse of his regime after more than five decades of Assad family rule. The following day, Assad arrived in Moscow, where the Russian government officially granted him asylum, according to the Russian News Agency Tass.
For months, speculation swirled about Assad’s potential safe haven. Allies like Iran and Russia were obvious choices, but Moscow emerged as the final destination after an unprecedented rebel advance overtook key Syrian territories. This rebel coalition, composed largely of Islamist factions, had launched an aggressive offensive that overwhelmed Assad’s military forces.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, who maintained a longstanding alliance with Assad, justified the asylum as a humanitarian gesture. Kremlin sources confirmed Assad’s arrival with his family in Moscow, further solidifying Russia’s historical role in supporting Assad during the 14-year-long Syrian civil war.
The civil war, one of the bloodiest conflicts in recent history, has transformed Syria into a battleground of international interests. From the rise of ISIS to years of intervention by powers like the U.S., Iran, and Turkey, Syria’s trajectory has been marred by destruction and political instability. Assad’s flight signals a turning point, with questions about Syria’s future governance hanging in the balance.
Rebel forces are now focusing their efforts on consolidating power in Damascus and other strategic locations. In Aleppo, fighters were seen entering Rashidin district on November 29, 2024, and seizing military vehicles in key areas. These advancements highlight the collapse of a regime once bolstered by significant Russian and Iranian support.
Putin’s decision to grant asylum reflects a calculated move, securing a strategic ally while distancing Moscow from the chaos in Syria. However, the global response has been mixed. Many Western analysts view this as a continuation of Russia’s interference in Middle Eastern politics, while others see it as an inevitable step for stabilizing the region.
The international community awaits the next chapter in Syria’s tumultuous history. Meanwhile, the Assad family’s asylum in Russia raises pressing questions about accountability, justice, and the potential for rebuilding a nation torn apart by war.
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