By Irum Saleem
Bashar al-Assad, the disgraced president of Syria, and his family have been granted asylum in Russia following his ouster by rebel forces. Russia cited “humanitarian grounds” as the reason for this decision.
“President Assad and his family have arrived in Moscow and have been granted asylum,” Russian news agencies reported, quoting Kremlin sources. Interfax news agency confirmed: “Russia has provided humanitarian asylum to President Assad and his family.”
Assad’s Downfall and Rebel Takeover
The collapse of Assad’s regime has ended over five decades of Assad family rule. Rebel forces captured Damascus in a lightning offensive, prompting nationwide celebrations. In cities like Homs and Damascus, thousands of Syrians took to the streets, chanting slogans of freedom and waving flags.
Meanwhile, Israel seized the UN-patrolled buffer zone near the Golan Heights. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu justified the move, stating that the 1974 disengagement agreement with Syria had collapsed. “We will not allow any hostile force to establish itself on our border,” Netanyahu said, emphasizing the importance of securing the region.
In Damascus, rebels stormed the Iranian embassy, symbolizing the collapse of Assad’s alliances, including those with Iran. The embassy raid, alongside rebel advances, highlighted the shifting dynamics in the region.
Mystery Surrounding Assad’s Departure
Initial reports suggested Assad’s possible death in a plane crash after his aircraft made an abrupt U-turn and disappeared from radar, according to Flightradar data. However, later confirmations revealed that Assad had fled to Russia.
Rebels, in their first public statements, called for a peaceful transition. Former Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali announced readiness to oversee this transition, signaling efforts to stabilize the nation. Rebel commander Abu Mohammed al-Golani, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), expressed willingness to cooperate, emphasizing the need for an orderly transfer of power.
Global Reactions
US President Joe Biden stated that the White House was in touch with regional partners, monitoring the unfolding events. The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed Assad’s departure and assured that Russian military bases in Syria were secure.
Mazloum Abdi, head of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, described the fall of Assad as a “historic moment” for building a democratic Syria.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the celebrations, Syria faces an uncertain future. Western governments must decide how to engage with a new administration in which HTS, formerly affiliated with al-Qaeda, wields significant influence. The group’s leader, Abu Mohammed al-Golani, has sought to distance HTS from extremist ideologies, but fears remain about potential draconian rule.
“Syria’s transition must avoid the chaos of post-2003 Iraq,” noted Joshua Landis, a leading Syria expert. He stressed the importance of rebuilding Syria and the necessity of lifting sanctions to aid recovery.
The collapse of Assad’s regime marks a seismic shift in the Middle East. It has dealt a blow to allies like Russia and Iran while raising questions about the role of extremist groups in Syria’s political future. PAK DESTINY