The Assad family's rule has finally come to an end.

 

The Assad family's rule has finally come to an end.

    After being a symbol of oppression and tyranny for half a century in Syria, the Assad family's rule has finally ended, and Bashar al-Assad fled the country with his family. This was the moment when the Syrian opposition declared control over Damascus. The news of Bashar al-Assad leaving the country brought a new direction to Syria's political situation. According to a report by journalists, after taking off from Damascus, Bashar al-Assad’s plane headed towards Syria’s coastal areas, considered his stronghold, but shortly after, the plane made a U-turn and then disappeared from radar. Some people believe that the plane may have been destroyed in mid-air, and Bashar al-Assad’s fate has become a symbol of the oppressive era he led.

    In 2011, during the Arab Spring movement, the people of Syria began protesting against Bashar al-Assad's tyranny. The protests aimed to secure freedom for the people and restore their dignity, but this struggle lasted thirteen years, marked by bloodshed, destruction, and countless atrocities. During these years, the Syrian people endured terrible hardships, including oppression, famine, displacement, and deadly attacks, which shook not only Syria but the entire region. The news of Bashar al-Assad’s downfall could bring hope to the millions who had dreamed of freedom. This event serves as a lesson to the world that tyranny does not last long, and the power of the people can make even the most oppressive rulers bow. The sacrifices made by the people of Syria stand as proof that the sacrifices for freedom are never in vain.

    During his 24 years of rule, Bashar al-Assad never prioritized the welfare of the people. His government was not focused on the people's desires, intellectual freedom, economic development, or social harmony. Instead, he, along with a limited group of his family and close allies, held the entire country hostage. His authoritarian policies kept Syria in a tight grip. In 2011, when the waves of the Arab Spring reached Syria and the people raised their voices for their rights, Bashar al-Assad chose the same path that many dictators take to defend their power: oppression and force. The people demanded that Bashar step down, but instead of understanding the people's wishes, he decided to suppress the protests with violence. Protesters were ruthlessly shot, dragged like animals into prisons, and treated in a way that openly insulted basic human and civil rights. Syrian prisons became the center of Bashar al-Assad's atrocities, where torture and cruel methods were used that would make any human soul tremble. Defenseless prisoners were subjected to indescribable and unimaginable suffering. Countless innocent lives were lost in these prisons, and these atrocities not only shamed Syria but also humanity worldwide. Bashar al-Assad's tyranny is a bitter lesson to the world that the lust for power and oppression is never lasting.

    When public protests and demonstrations against Bashar al-Assad's tyranny proved ineffective, and instead of softening his oppressive stance, he intensified it, an armed revolt began in Syria. This revolt gave rise to several military groups, the most prominent of which was the al-Nusra Front. Initially linked to al-Qaeda, this group was seen as a significant force inside Syria. However, when a new face of terrorism emerged in the form of ISIS on the Syrian and Iraqi horizon, al-Nusra Front declared its complete separation from it. Later, in 2016, the group also severed its ties with al-Qaeda. This move symbolized a major shift in its strategy, aiming to present itself as an independent Syrian resistance movement. Over time, the group underwent several name changes and eventually identified itself as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Today, this group leads various armed resistance factions within Syria. Its strategy and goals revolve around freeing the Syrian people from Bashar al-Assad's tyrannical rule and strengthening its control over the areas it occupies.

    The history of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham not only highlights the complex aspects of the Syrian Civil War but also reflects that the ongoing struggle in Syria is not just against government oppression, but also a power struggle between various armed groups. To crush the resistance movements in Syria and maintain his authoritarian government, Bashar al-Assad sought assistance from Russia in 2013 and 2014. After Russia's intervention, a new and devastating wave of violence began on Syrian soil. Russian airstrikes were carried out so ruthlessly and on such a massive scale that the Middle East witnessed unimaginable destruction after decades. These attacks were accompanied by allegations that Bashar al-Assad’s government used prohibited weapons, particularly phosphorus bombs, which were a blatant violation of wartime laws. These weapons turned countless human lives to ash, and the brutality of these attacks left civilians’ bodies either burned to ashes or melted like wax. Additionally, reports also emerged about the use of other dangerous chemical weapons, which completely blocked the paths to life for the Syrian people. In addition to Russia, Bashar al-Assad received strong support from Iran and its ally Hezbollah. Iran and Hezbollah made the situation in Syria even more complex and dangerous, as their intervention fueled sectarianism. The worst forms of sectarian bias were seen, which not only prolonged the civil war but also made its consequences bloodier and more destructive.

    These atrocities and the intervention of foreign powers were not only unbearable for the Syrian people but also put the peace and stability of the entire region at severe risk. Bashar al-Assad's strategy sent a clear message that he was willing to go to any lengths to save his government, even if it meant the destruction of millions of innocent lives. Iran and Hezbollah have been accused of playing a negative and sectarian role in altering Syria's demographic makeup. People from Sunni-majority areas were forcibly displaced, and there were organized efforts to settle Shiite populations there. Additionally, they were also accused of attempting to indoctrinate Sunni children with Shiite beliefs and ideologies to alter the mindset of future generations.

    Through all these tactics and maneuvers, Bashar al-Assad temporarily succeeded in maintaining his government, but the Syrian people paid an unimaginable price for it. It is estimated that between 500,000 and 1.6 million people lost their lives during the conflict in Syria. Millions were forced to flee their homes, seeking refuge in refugee camps and foreign countries. Besides Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan, a large number of Syrians have been forced to live in dire conditions in European countries. In Turkey alone, over 3 million Syrian refugees continue to face immense difficulties, deprived of even basic facilities. The destruction in Syria is so widespread and severe that its reconstruction will require enormous investments and several decades.

    This civil war has not only been a tragedy for the Syrian people but has also posed a grave threat to the stability of the entire region. Syria’s devastation serves as a lesson to the world that authoritarianism and sectarianism inevitably lead to destruction. Efforts to resolve Syria's crisis were initially attempted on many fronts, but they failed to prove effective. To pressure Bashar al-Assad, the Arab League not only expelled Syria from its membership but also isolated him politically from all Arab countries. Bashar al-Assad was left isolated from the Arab world, like an untouchable, but this had little significant impact on his government. One major reason for this was the continuous support from Iran and Hezbollah, which remained a strong support for him. Additionally, the Russian military and mercenaries further strengthened Bashar al-Assad's regime.

    The ongoing civil war in Syria had the greatest impact on Turkey, as Syria and Turkey are not only neighboring countries but also because the Kurdish militant group, the "PKK," present in Syria, posed a constant threat to Turkey's security. This group aimed to establish an independent Kurdish state, challenging Turkey’s political and territorial integrity. In these circumstances, Turkey took the Syrian issue very seriously and provided full support to the Syrian opposition groups. When the intensity of the war decreased somewhat, efforts began after 2017 to find a political solution to the Syrian issue. Russia, Iran, and Turkey worked together through the "Astana Agreement" to try and establish peace in Syria. This agreement was an important development, where the parties agreed to establish ceasefire zones and promote political dialogue. However, these efforts also failed to completely resolve the Syrian crisis, as the interests of the various factions on the ground continued to clash.

    Several attempts were made to remove Bashar al-Assad’s government, but he refused to back down from his stubborn and authoritarian stance. Proposals to resettle the Syrian refugees in Turkey back in their homes and integrate them into the social system were also ignored by Bashar al-Assad. This obstinacy pushed the Syrian issue into a state of stagnation, where no progress was being made and no solution was forthcoming. It seemed as though this deadlock would last for years. However, the events of the past ten days have shocked the world. Interestingly, when a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah was being announced on November 27 through efforts by the United States and France, news began to emerge at the same time of the Syrian opposition groups, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, capturing Idlib and Aleppo. Surprisingly, in a very short period, the resistance groups, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, gained control over Idlib, Aleppo, Daraa, and even Damascus.

    This moment proved to be highly opportune for the resistance groups, as Bashar al-Assad's supporting forces were under severe pressure. The resistance groups implemented their strategy in a highly organized manner and, within just a few days, consolidated control over large areas of Syria. These events not only became a beacon of hope for the Syrian people but also marked a turning point for the international community, which had failed to find any resolution to the crisis for years. Hezbollah's situation had become so weak that after continuous Israeli operations, returning to Syria to support Bashar al-Assad became almost impossible for them. Iran’s position became even more complicated. On one hand, it was making claims of defending Al-Aqsa Mosque and supporting the liberation of Palestine, while on the other hand, taking practical steps to protect Bashar al-Assad had become a significant political challenge. Iran faced the risk of further damaging its already deteriorating reputation in the Sunni world by continuing to support Bashar al-Assad.

    The issue of Palestine and the support for Hamas presented Iran with a rare opportunity to improve its image in the Sunni world, and it could not afford to waste it. This is why the space for Iran to continue supporting Bashar al-Assad was increasingly limited. On the other hand, Russia was also grappling with its own issues. The war in Ukraine had not only weakened Russia economically but had also forced it to dedicate a significant portion of its military resources to this conflict. In such a situation, saving Bashar al-Assad became an unfeasible task for Russia as well. After Bashar al-Assad’s downfall, the biggest loss was to Iran and Russia. Bashar's authoritarianism had initially provided Russia with an opportunity to establish its foothold in the region, and Russian military bases in Syria served as evidence of its presence in the Middle East. However, with Bashar’s government’s collapse, these possibilities were now nullified. Iran had also had the chance to strengthen its sectarian strategy in the region due to Bashar’s rule, but this was now rendered ineffective.

    This entire political scenario clearly demonstrated that Bashar al-Assad’s downfall not only provided the Syrian people with a sigh of relief but also marked the beginning of a new chapter in regional politics. Bashar al-Assad's presence had been of critical importance to Iran’s expansionist plans in the Arab world, but now, after his downfall, Iran's forward movement would undoubtedly face a significant setback. As for Israel, Bashar al-Assad's fall would provide some relief, as it would lead to a clear reduction in Iran's influence. However, if Islamist forces take control after Bashar's downfall, new challenges could emerge for Israel.

    For the United States, this is an opportunity to curb Russia's growing influence in the Middle East, but the role of the U.S. in the Syrian issue has been disappointing from the beginning. If the Obama administration had intervened timely and effectively, the Syrian civil war might have been prevented more easily. Unfortunately, this opportunity was squandered, and Syria transformed into a devastated state. The real question now is: what will Syria’s future look like after Bashar al-Assad’s downfall? The real test for opposition groups lies in how they steer Syria in the right direction. Syria has now become a battleground for the interests of global powers, with different groups holding varying ideologies and objectives. This is why the threat of instability is far from over.

    Rebuilding Syria is a major challenge, which will require financial assistance from Western countries and the United States. The most important thing at this juncture is to establish Syria on strong democratic principles. The people should be granted the full right to vote, so they can elect their representatives and, in case of a political crisis, enable peaceful government changes without bloodshed. Additionally, ensuring the protection of minority rights is essential. To overcome the bitterness of the past, adopting the example of Nelson Mandela’s approach in South Africa would be an excellent step. Through a policy of reconciliation and harmony, a bright and hopeful future can be offered to the people of Syria. Now is the time to transform Syria from a fractured state into a strong, stable, and democratic society.

    It is the responsibility of global powers to stop viewing the opposition groups as terrorists during this transitional phase. Recently, when Hayat Tahrir al-Sham leader Abu Mohammad al-Julani revealed his real name, Ahmad al-Shara, to the world, it was a clear message that he is present in this new era and is adjusting his strategy to move towards peace and stability in the country. The way in which Abu Mohammad al-Julani has managed to prevent bloodshed in Syria over the past few days, coupled with the warm reception he received from the public, makes it evident that a new era is dawning in Syria. The support and courage shown by the people prove that the ground is being prepared for the establishment of democracy and peace in the country.

    It is the responsibility of the democracies of the world to not turn the opposition's success into failure, but rather to commend their efforts and assist in establishing a strong, free, and democratic Syria. If global powers take advantage of this opportunity and help advance the peace and stability process in Syria, it will be a positive step not only for the people of Syria but for the entire Middle East. This will not only bring improvements to Syria's internal affairs but also strengthen the atmosphere of peace in the region, which is crucial given the current severe instability and the effects of war. The international community must support the rights of the Syrian people and provide them with the opportunity for peace, development, and prosperity. This is the time for global powers to set aside their political interests and make decisions in favor of the Syrian people, helping them shape their own future. This will not only make the reconstruction of Syria possible but also strengthen the principles of democracy and human rights in the region.


By: Md Fidaul Mustafa Qadri

Degree Student: Darul Huda Islamic University

Contact. No: 9037099731


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