The Fall of Bashar al-Assad’s Government: A Historic Turning Point in Syria
International News Department 09-12-2024
In a shocking turn of events, opposition forces in Syria have seized control of the capital, marking the end of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The collapse of his government signifies the conclusion of over five decades of Assad family rule, a transformation nearly 14 years after peaceful protests against al-Assad escalated into a devastating civil war.
The decisive push began on November 27, when a coalition of opposition groups, led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), launched Operation Deterrence of Aggression against government forces. The offensive began on the Aleppo-Idlib frontlines, rapidly capturing Aleppo within three days. This was followed by victories in Hama, Homs, and Deraa, the symbolic birthplace of the 2011 uprising. Even the once-secure Damascus fell to the advancing opposition, forcing al-Assad and his defense minister to flee.
Factors Behind Assad’s Collapse
Years of economic decline, worsened by an overreliance on the Captagon trade and weakened international support, significantly eroded the regime’s stability. Russia, distracted by its ongoing war in Ukraine, and Iran, struggling under Israeli military pressure, could no longer prop up al-Assad’s forces. Amid these challenges, soldiers abandoned their posts en masse, unwilling to defend an increasingly unpopular leader.
Celebrations erupted across Syria as news of al-Assad’s fall spread. In Damascus and Homs, civilians cheered atop tanks, toppled statues of Hafez al-Assad, and filled public spaces with revolutionary chants. Opposition forces also freed thousands of political prisoners, including those held in the infamous Sednaya prison, symbolizing the end of an era of oppression.
However, the future remains uncertain. Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali, who stayed behind to oversee a peaceful transition, has expressed willingness to collaborate with the opposition for a unified government. HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Julani has pledged to maintain public institutions under temporary oversight, urging collaboration among all factions to avoid further fragmentation.
What Lies Ahead?
Syria faces a crucial crossroads. While the fall of the Assad regime is a cause for celebration, the challenges of governance, rebuilding, and unifying diverse opposition groups will test the country’s resilience. International observers remain cautiously optimistic, hoping that Syria can transition to a stable and democratic future under a government chosen by its people.
