Bashar al-Assad has resigned after 24 years as Syria’s president, fleeing to Russia amid an unexpected military collapse facilitated by rebel forces. His administration, long marked by repression and civil war, faced increasing internal dissent and the withdrawal of foreign support. Assad’s sudden downfall concludes decades of his family’s authoritarian rule, with the future of Syria now in question.
Bashar al-Assad, the President of Syria, has unexpectedly resigned and relocated to Russia, marking a sudden and significant end to his 24 years of leadership. Just weeks ago, Assad seemed secure after more than a decade of civil war that was initiated by his suppression of pro-democracy protests during the Arab Spring. However, the fragility of his regime became evident after a rapid offensive led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. With Assad’s foreign allies distracted by other conflicts and unable to intervene, his military collapsed within a mere 12 days, allowing rebels to seize control of Damascus with little resistance.
Assad, born on September 11, 1965, was not initially expected to ascend to the presidency. As the second son of President Hafez al-Assad, he pursued medical studies before his older brother’s death thrust him into the political spotlight. Following family traditions, he rapidly advanced within Syria’s military and took on considerable political responsibilities. Although he initially promised reforms upon assuming the presidency in 2000, his administration quickly reverted to repressive practices.
In foreign affairs, Assad maintained a hardline stance against Israel and opposed U.S. actions, which endeared him to certain factions within Syria and the broader region. However, as the Syrian uprising progressed in 2011, he struggled to formulate an effective response, alternately claiming the protests were incited by foreign conspirators and escalating violent repression. Despite efforts to portray a willingness to reform and hold referendums, opposition resistance grew, and calls for his ouster increased.
Assad’s leadership saw significant military engagement, including the use of chemical weapons, which drew international condemnation and airstrikes by Western powers. Despite these challenges, Russian intervention in 2015 substantially shifted the conflict in his favor. However, the ongoing war and subsequent humanitarian crises severely affected Syria, with Assad’s regime increasingly blamed for exacerbating the situation.
In recent years, economic hardship increased, leading to protests and unrest, even among Assad’s own Alawite supporters. Nonetheless, regional dynamics began shifting in Assad’s favor, and his re-engagement with Arab nations culminated in his participation in a summit in Saudi Arabia. Ultimately, the resurgence of violence and the focused offensive by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, coupled with the lack of support from his allies, culminated in his downfall as the rebel forces entered the capital. The Kremlin confirmed his departure and asylum offer, while celebrations erupted across Syria, signaling disbelief at the end of decades of authoritarian rule.
The article provides an overview of Bashar al-Assad’s presidency and the circumstances surrounding his recent resignation and flight to Russia. It highlights the evolution of Assad’s rule from a seemingly secure position to a sudden collapse driven by internal conflict and the inability of his foreign allies to assist. The backdrop includes Assad’s personal history, political rise, promised reforms that fizzled, foreign policies, and the descent into civil war after the Arab Spring. It reflects on how changing political dynamics and military engagements shaped the Syrian conflict and the gradual erosion of Assad’s power over two decades.
The resignation of Bashar al-Assad marks a pivotal moment in Syrian history, closing a chapter of nearly five decades of leadership under the Assad family. His rule, characterized by brutal repression, regional conflicts, and failed reforms, has finally crumbled under the weight of an internal uprising and the withdrawal of support from his historic allies. As Syrians celebrate this significant political shift, the future of the country remains uncertain amidst ongoing violence and humanitarian crises.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
