For five decades, the Assad family has ruled Syria, and currently, Bashar al-Assad has been maintaining power since 2000. However, the years of civil unrest and conflict against the authoritarian regime have prompted rebel forces to oust the government.
This rebellion, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has left the world shocked not only because of the sudden eruption but also because of the relative ease, unfolding over less than two weeks. Beginning on November 27 with attacks on forces in western Aleppo, the rebellion continued to move, next capturing the largest military base in the region. After they finalized the capture of Aleppo (second-largest city), the rebels took Hama on December 5, a pivotal crossroads in western-central Syria. The momentum continued as the rebels captured Daraa on December 6 and Homs by December 7. The rebellion marked an end on December 8 when Damascus was declared “liberated.”
Though Syrians have expressed their eager for freedom, they have equally shared fears of instability and fragmentation, as there are many implications of this change. HTS faces the challenge of maintaining unity among diverse factions and establishing effective governance. Meanwhile, international powers such as the US, Russia, Turkey, and Iran are looking to influence in shaping Syria’s future. Neighboring countries have fortified their borders, wary of potential spillover, while global leaders stress the urgency of creating a cohesive political framework to prevent Syria from descending further into chaos.
This situation mirrors the post-World War II era, where global powers sought to exert influence over countries emerging from conflict, often pulling them in opposing directions. Such external interventions can exacerbate internal struggles, diverting attention from crucial global objectives, like sustainability and long-term peace, as geopolitical interests dominate the conversation. To avoid similar conflicts, international public policies should focus on humanitarian aid, post-conflict reconstruction, and sustainable development– ensuring long-term peace and stability in Syria and the wider region.
Ayan Kumar's Blog 