Bashar al-Assad fled to Moscow following collapse of his regime

New Delhi, Dec 9: What could be called a major political shift in Syria that will change the wider West Asia politics, former President Bashar al-Assad has fled to Moscow following the collapse of his regime.

Russia, Assad’s long-time ally in the civil war, has granted him and his family asylum, marking the end of an era defined as one of the inhuman conflicts of the 21st century. Assad’s flight comes as rebel forces, led by the group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) took over control over Damascus.

The fall of the Assad regime occurred swiftly without much resistance as reported by the media over the weekend as HTS, alongside allied factions, overran the capital. As reported by BBC, Sharaa, once a jihadist figurehead, has sought to reinvent himself as a legitimate political leader.

Ahmed al-Sharaa alias Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani’s change in his image from militant leader to political leader highlights the interest the HTS has in ruling the country and to have international recognition and legitimacy.

As HTS rebel troops took over control of strategic locations of the capital Damascus , Crowds celebrated in the streets, storming Assad’s former residence, while reports of Israeli airstrikes on targets in the city added to the chaotic backdrop.

Russia, which had propped up Assad through years of civil war with military and diplomatic support, faces uncertainty in the wake of his ouster. Dmitry Polyanskiy, Russia’s deputy UN ambassador, has called for an urgent Security Council meeting to discuss the “depth and consequences” of this development, particularly regarding regional stability and Israel’s temporary control of the Golan Heights demilitarised zone.

Russia and Iran have always supported Asad. Now as Asad gets asylum in Moscow, it reflects a broader geopolitical strategy to safeguard his influence in Syria.

What will be the next step for Russia? Political observers suggest that the collapse of the Assad regime in itself speaks about the limits of Russia and Iran’s ability to sustain its proxies presently raising questions about its long-term presence in West Asia.

Meanwhile, Washington has responded with caution. President Joe Biden, addressing the crisis, as reported by BBC outlined a strategy focused on maintaining a military presence in Syria, supporting allies, and preventing a resurgence of the Islamic State group (IS).

Over the weekend, U.S. forces have targeted over 75 IS sites in eastern Syria’s Badiyah desert. Secretary of State Antony Blinken as reported by BBC has emphasised the importance of accountability for Assad-era atrocities, urging rebel leaders to prioritise civilian protection and institutional stability. Blinken’s remarks showcase U.S. objective: shaping Syria’s transition to align with democratic principles while preventing extremist factions from filling the power vacuum. How the power and diplomacy of the US and Russia are going to shape up in Syria will outline the West Asia politics of the future.

For ordinary Syrians, the end of Assad’s reign offers a ray of hope. After nearly thirteen years of conflict, the country finds some changes still not knowing what their future will be. The liberation of Saydnaya prison, infamous for its human rights abuses, where several opposition Syrian people to Asad’s regime were kept the rebels are trying to locate and rescue hundreds of detainees.

They have asked former prison staff to assist in unlocking hidden facilities. Humanitarian organisations, including the White Helmets, are stepping up to address the immediate needs of civilians. Rebel authorities are tasked with restoring order, reopening key services, and preventing further violence as regional media reported.

The fall of the Assad regime marks a key moment for Syria and West Asia, but the road ahead is fraught with challenges. Rebel leaders, particularly Ahmed al-Sharaa, face intense scrutiny as they transition from armed resistance to governance.

The international community is keeping an eye on the fast-changing developments. For now, the people of Syria stand at a crossroads, their future shaped by the decisions of both domestic leaders and global powers. Syria needs the immense task of rebuilding a nation massively damaged by war.