The Fall of Assad: Russia Turns its Back on Syrian President
For years, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has relied on Russia’s support to suppress his people, with the Russian air force leveling entire cities to the ground after the uprising in 2011. However, the Kremlin is now abruptly abandoning its ally.
Russian Foreign Minister’s Statement
According to the state news agency Tass, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (74) recently stated that the rapid change in power in Syria about three weeks ago can be attributed to Bashar al-Assad’s inability to address the country’s social issues.
Lawrov’s Critique
- Lawrov highlighted the failure of the Assad regime to meet the basic needs of the population during the long-standing civil war.
- He pointed out that despite the military successes achieved with the help of the Russian air force, the Syrian people did not experience an improvement in their living conditions.
- The US was also blamed for occupying a resource-rich region in northeastern Syria and exerting additional pressure on the Syrian government through sanctions.
Assad’s Downfall
The unexpected advance of Islamist rebels took both Assad and the Kremlin by surprise. When the rebels captured Damascus, Assad was evacuated to Moscow and placed in exile.
Russian President Vladimir Putin (72) maintains that Assad’s removal should not be seen as a setback for Russia’s military involvement in Syria since 2015.
Mass Arrests in Syria
Activists reported that the new authorities in Syria have arrested nearly 300 Assad supporters in recent operations. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights stated that the arrests took place in and around Damascus and other parts of the country.
State-run Syrian news agency Sana also confirmed the arrests of “Assad militiamen” in several provinces, with weapons and ammunition being seized during the operations.
Conclusion
The swift change in power dynamics in Syria has not only exposed Assad’s vulnerabilities but also strained the relationship between Russia and its long-standing ally. As the situation unfolds, the future of Syria remains uncertain, with questions lingering about the role of external actors in shaping the country’s destiny.
FAQ
What led to Russia’s decision to distance itself from Assad?
Russia’s Foreign Minister cited Assad’s failure to address social issues in Syria and the lack of tangible improvements in the lives of the Syrian people despite military successes as key reasons for the shift in Russia’s stance.
What impact does Assad’s fall have on Russia’s military engagement in Syria?
Despite Assad’s removal, Russian President Putin maintains that it does not diminish Russia’s military presence in Syria, signaling a continued commitment to the region’s stability.