The Fall of Bashar al-Assad's Regime in Syria
On December 8, 2024, Syria witnessed a historic shift as opposition forces entered the capital, Damascus, following their control of Homs. This unexpected turn of events unfolded with minimal resistance from the regime's military, signaling the imminent collapse of Bashar al-Assad's rule. Reports emerged that Assad fled the country on a small passenger plane, with conflicting accounts about his fate, including speculation of a crash near Tartous or refuge at the Russian Hmeimim base.
Diplomatic Efforts and International Reactions
In the days leading up to this momentous event, Assad made desperate attempts to secure international support, particularly from Turkey. He reached out to Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, seeking to persuade Ankara to intervene and halt the opposition's advance. However, diplomatic sources indicated that Turkey was unwilling to assist, holding Assad accountable for the escalating conflict. Concurrently, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi traveled to Ankara in a bid to de-escalate tensions, but these efforts were ultimately unsuccessful.
The Future of Syria Post-Assad
As the situation unfolded, the Astana process, which included key players like Turkey, Iran, and Russia, convened in Doha for what appeared to be its final round. Discussions centered around a potential ceasefire and political transition, with Iran signaling a shift in its stance towards the opposition. Meanwhile, Russian officials reportedly offered Assad protection in exchange for his agreement to a transitional government, which he initially rejected. The dynamics in Damascus are rapidly changing, with the opposition gaining ground and the international community contemplating the next steps for Syria's governance.
