Bashar al-Assad has resigned and fled to Russia, ending a 24-year presidency amid a civil war that has devastated Syria. His military collapsed against an unexpected rebel offensive, leading to the swift capture of Damascus. Despite initial reform promises, his regime became known for brutal repression and war crimes, which culminated in his abrupt departure from power under mounting pressure.

Bashar al-Assad has resigned from his position as Syria’s president and sought refuge in Russia, marking an unexpected end to his 24-year regime. Despite seeming secure only weeks prior due to military support from allies like Russia and Iran in the ongoing civil war, his government faltered in the face of a sudden offensive by Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, leading to his swift downfall. In less than two weeks, Assad’s military crumbled under rebel advances, culminating in the capture of Damascus.

Bashar al-Assad, born on September 11, 1965, was the second son of President Hafez al-Assad and initially had a career in ophthalmology following his medical education. Following his brother’s tragic death, he was summoned home and rapidly progressed through military ranks to eventually lead the country after his father’s passing in 2000. Despite early promises of reform and modernization, the brief period of the ‘Damascus Spring’ saw rising political oppression upon dissent.

Throughout his presidency, al-Assad maintained a hardline stance on various issues, particularly foreign policy regarding Israel, and heavily limited political freedoms at home. His regime’s credibility waned significantly due to accusations of complicity in the 2005 assassination of Rafik Hariri and his handling of the Arab Spring protests that erupted in 2011. Initially dismissing these demonstrations, he waged a brutal war against dissenters that saw hundreds of thousands dead.

The Syrian civil war intensified after the regime used chemical weapons against rebels, sparking international condemnation and military responses. Al-Assad’s regime received crucial support from allies, particularly Russia, whose military interventions turned the tide of the war in Assad’s favor. Despite claims of restoring order, his regime faced allegations of war crimes and repeated assaults on civilian populations, notably in regions like Idlib and Eastern Ghouta.

In recent years, economic devastation has plagued Syria, exacerbating public discontent. Following the 2023 earthquake disaster, international relations began to shift, leading to a cautious rapprochement between Assad’s regime and formerly opposed Sunni Arab states. On November 27, 2024, rebels launched a significant offensive amidst the ongoing regional conflicts, leading to Assad’s ultimate abandonment of power and subsequent flight to Russia, where he was offered asylum.

Bashar al-Assad’s tenure as president began with optimism for significant reforms but deteriorated as severe repression took hold. His leadership was characterized by a firm resistance to dissent and a failure to establish peace amidst the civil war that erupted in 2011. Prolonged foreign intervention, particularly from Russia and Iran, temporarily halted his regime’s collapse, but his government remained deeply unpopular due to ongoing violence and economic crises. Recent events indicate a shifting international stance towards his regime amidst ongoing conflict in the region.

Bashar al-Assad’s downfall marks a significant shift in Syrian leadership after a prolonged dictatorship that faced mounting internal and external pressures. The rapid advance of opposing forces during a time of international distractions underscored the unsustainable nature of his rule. This dramatic political transition not only reflects local sentiments for change but also reshapes alliances and future governance frameworks in Syria.

Original Source: www.bbc.com

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