Syria’s Assad Fall: Global and Regional Reactions
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Western and Arab leaders have voiced their reactions to the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, marking the end of over five decades of rule by the Assad family in Syria. On Sunday, France’s President Emmanuel Macron and officials from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Russia issued statements reflecting a mixture of relief, caution, and calls for a new chapter for Syria.
Earlier in the day, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied opposition factions announced through Syrian state television the fall of Assad’s rule and declared Syria free from his “tyrannical regime.”
France: A Moment of Recognition
French President Emmanuel Macron took to social media to acknowledge the significance of the moment.
“The barbaric state has fallen. At last,” Macron wrote on X (formerly Twitter), expressing his admiration for the courage and resilience of the Syrian people.
“I pay tribute to the Syrian people, to their courage, to their patience. In this moment of uncertainty, I send them my wishes for peace, freedom, and unity.” he added, emphasizing France’s commitment to supporting security and stability across the Middle East.
France has been a vocal critic of the Assad regime, particularly regarding its handling of the Syrian uprising in 2011 and the subsequent civil war. Macron’s statement aligns with France’s longstanding position advocating for a political transition in Syria.
Saudi Arabia: Balancing Diplomacy
Saudi Arabia, a key regional player, expressed a measured response through comments from an unnamed senior official cited by Reuters.
The official noted, “Saudi Arabia is in contact with all parties in the region regarding Syria and maintains continuous dialogue with Turkey and other concerned stakeholders.”
He attributed Syria’s current state to the Assad government’s refusal to engage in a meaningful political process. This aligns with Riyadh’s push for stability and its efforts to reduce regional tensions through diplomacy.
Egypt: A Call for Reconciliation
Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement urging all Syrian factions to seize the opportunity to launch an inclusive political process.
“This is a chance to establish a new phase of consensus and peace that restores Syria’s regional and international standing,” the statement read.
Egypt has historically played a mediating role in Arab affairs, and its call underscores the importance of regional stability amidst the ongoing transitions in Syria.
United Kingdom: Concerns for Civilians
British Deputy Prime Minister Victoria Atkins expressed her apprehension over the potential humanitarian impact of recent developments.
“The situation in Syria appears extremely dire. We must prioritize the protection of civilians and critical infrastructure,” Atkins said, highlighting the need for international monitoring to prevent further harm to the Syrian population.
Russia: Acknowledging Assad’s Exit
Russia’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that Bashar al-Assad had left Syria, relinquishing his position, and authorized a peaceful transfer of power.
“This decision came after negotiations with parties to the conflict,” the ministry stated, suggesting a calculated move by Moscow, which had been Assad’s primary ally throughout the Syrian civil war.
Despite backing Assad militarily for over a decade, Russia’s acknowledgment of his exit reflects its readiness to adapt to the new political reality in Syria while preserving its strategic interests in the region.
A Pivotal Moment for Syria
The fall of Assad’s regime marks a historic turning point for Syria, a nation that has endured years of conflict, displacement, and destruction. The reactions from global and regional powers highlight the gravity of the moment and the challenges ahead.
With a vacuum of power emerging in Damascus, the international community’s focus will likely shift to supporting a transitional government, preventing further escalation, and addressing the dire humanitarian crisis.
While the Syrian people celebrate the end of an era of oppression, the road to peace, reconciliation, and rebuilding will require sustained international efforts and regional cooperation.