DAMASCUS: Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has reportedly fled the capital amid a rapid advance by opposition forces that have seized control of Damascus, marking a dramatic turn in the country’s ongoing civil war. The collapse of the Assad regime comes after weeks of a lightning offensive by rebel factions, culminating in the overthrow of a government that has ruled Syria for over five decades.
Residents of the capital awoke to scenes of jubilation as crowds filled the streets, chanting anti-Assad slogans and celebrating what they saw as a historic victory. In many neighborhoods, mosques were filled with prayers of gratitude, while others witnessed chaotic scenes as government institutions were ransacked and security forces abandoned their posts.
Origins of the War
The Syrian conflict began in March 2011 as part of the wider wave of Arab Spring uprisings. Initially sparked by peaceful protests demanding democratic reforms and the release of political prisoners, the demonstrations were met with brutal crackdowns by Assad’s security forces. The violence escalated, transforming what began as a protest movement into a full-blown civil war.
Over the years, the war evolved into a complex, multi-sided conflict involving numerous domestic and international actors. The key groups include Assad’s government forces, backed primarily by Russia and Iran, and opposition factions, supported at various times by Turkey, Gulf states, and Western nations.
Opposition Forces and Sponsors
The primary opposition groups have included the Free Syrian Army (FSA), a loose coalition of defected soldiers and civilians, and more recently, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist faction with roots in al-Qaeda. HTS, which has undergone significant rebranding efforts under its leader Abu Mohammad al-Golani, spearheaded the recent offensive on Damascus.
HTS controls much of northwest Syria and has worked to present itself as a more moderate entity in recent years, cutting ties with extremist elements and pledging to establish a pluralistic governance model. However, its history as a jihadist group has led to skepticism from the international community, including the United States and the United Nations, which still classify HTS as a terrorist organization.
Assad’s Regime and Backers
Throughout the war, Assad’s government has been propped up by powerful allies. Russia provided crucial military support, including airstrikes, and has maintained a naval base in Syria. Iran, along with its proxy Hezbollah, has supplied ground forces and logistical assistance. This external backing helped Assad regain significant territory after the opposition gained momentum early in the conflict.
However, the recent opposition advance, starting on November 27, saw a swift capture of major cities, including Homs, Aleppo, and Hama. The rapid deterioration of Assad’s control, culminating in his departure from Damascus, has shocked observers.
A Tumultuous Transition
In a televised statement, a man claiming to represent the “Operations Room to Conquer Damascus” announced the overthrow of Assad and called for calm as the country transitions. The group urged citizens to protect state institutions and emphasized the need for unity in building a “free Syrian state.”
Amid the upheaval, Syria’s Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali offered to cooperate with opposition forces to facilitate a transitional government. Meanwhile, the Alawite community, historically aligned with Assad, released a statement urging restraint and national unity.
International Reactions and Implications
The United Nations has called for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an orderly political transition, while key global players have reacted cautiously. Russia, Assad’s chief backer, expressed regret over the situation, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stating, “We feel sorry for the Syrian people.”
Israel has bolstered its military presence in the Golan Heights, citing security concerns as the rebel advance continues.
As Syria enters an uncertain chapter, the world watches closely, with hopes that a peaceful resolution can emerge after more than a decade of bloodshed that has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and displaced millions.
Everything You Need to Know About Syria: History, Politics, and Alliances
Syria, a country with a rich history and a strategic location at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe, has long been a focal point in world affairs. From ancient civilizations to its modern-day complexities, Syria’s story is one of resilience, conflict, and cultural significance. Here’s an in-depth look at Syria’s history, its rulers, key alliances, and why it remains pivotal on the global stage.
Ancient Syria: A Cradle of Civilization
Syria’s history dates back to ancient times, with its lands forming part of the Fertile Crescent, often called the “Cradle of Civilization.” The region was home to the Ebla Kingdom around 2500 BCE, one of the earliest centers of trade, culture, and diplomacy. Over millennia, it became a melting pot of empires, including the Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks under Alexander the Great, and the Romans, who left a lasting imprint with structures like Palmyra’s stunning ruins.
After the fall of Rome, Syria became a vital part of the Byzantine Empire before its conquest by Islamic Caliphates in the 7th century, marking its significance in the Islamic world.
Modern Syria: From Ottoman Rule to Independence
From the 16th century, Syria was part of the Ottoman Empire, governed as part of a larger administrative region. Following the empire’s collapse after World War I, Syria came under French mandate as outlined by the League of Nations in 1920. This period saw rising nationalist sentiments and efforts to achieve full independence.
Syria finally gained independence in 1946, emerging as a republic. However, the country’s early years were marked by political instability, military coups, and ideological battles between secular nationalism and religious conservatism.
The Assad Era: A Family’s Grip on Power
In 1970, Hafez al-Assad, a former Air Force commander, took control of Syria in a bloodless coup, ushering in an era of authoritarian rule under the Ba’ath Party. Assad centralized power, built a vast security apparatus, and maintained a cult of personality.
Hafez’s rule saw both stability and repression, with dissenters brutally silenced. He strengthened ties with the Soviet Union, which became Syria’s main military and political ally during the Cold War.
After Hafez’s death in 2000, his son Bashar al-Assad assumed power. Initially seen as a reformer, Bashar maintained his father’s authoritarian style while navigating a rapidly changing Middle East. Under his leadership, Syria became embroiled in a devastating civil war starting in 2011.
Syria’s Strategic Alliances
Syria’s geopolitical significance has made it a key player in Middle Eastern and global politics.
- Russia: A longstanding ally since the Cold War, Russia has maintained strong military and political ties with Syria. Moscow operates a strategic naval base in Tartus and played a pivotal role in propping up Assad during the civil war.
- Iran: Syria and Iran share a strategic alliance rooted in mutual opposition to Western influence and shared interests in the region, including supporting Hezbollah in Lebanon.
- China: Though less visible, China has supported Syria diplomatically, often opposing Western-led sanctions and interventions at the United Nations.
- The Arab World: Relations with Arab neighbors have been turbulent. Syria was suspended from the Arab League in 2011 due to its crackdown on protests, though some countries have recently reopened diplomatic ties.
Syria’s Cultural and Religious Mosaic
Syria is a land of diversity, home to numerous ethnic and religious communities.
- Ethnic Groups: The majority are Arabs, but the Kurdish population in the north has a distinct identity. There are also Armenians, Turkmens, Assyrians, and Circassians.
- Religious Groups: Sunni Islam is the dominant faith, but Syria has a significant Alawite minority (to which the Assad family belongs), as well as Druze, Christians, and small Jewish communities.
This diversity has been both a strength and a source of tension, especially under regimes that have used sectarian divisions for political gain.
Economy: From Prosperity to Hardship
Once known for its agriculture, oil production, and tourism, Syria’s economy has been devastated by years of conflict. Before the civil war, Syria produced significant amounts of oil and boasted a flourishing textile industry. Ancient cities like Aleppo and Damascus, famous for their souks and cultural heritage, attracted millions of visitors annually.
The war, however, has left infrastructure in ruins, displaced millions, and created one of the worst humanitarian crises in modern history.
Why Syria Matters on the Global Stage
Syria’s strategic location makes it a gateway between continents and a hotspot in global geopolitics. It has been a battleground for competing interests: Western nations seeking to curb extremism, Russia and Iran bolstering an ally, and regional powers like Turkey navigating their security concerns.
The country’s fate also has significant implications for the Middle East’s stability and the global refugee crisis, as millions of Syrians have sought shelter abroad.
Syria’s Future: Hope Amidst Challenges
Despite its struggles, Syria remains a land of rich heritage, resilient people, and immense potential. Efforts for peace and reconstruction will require international cooperation and a commitment to rebuilding not just infrastructure, but also trust among its diverse communities.
As the world watches, Syria’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the costs of conflict and the enduring hope for a brighter future.
