In the wake of the dramatic overthrow of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad by Islamist-led rebels, global powers have voiced their calls for stability and peace in Syria and the wider region. Assad’s regime, which has been embroiled in a brutal civil war for over 13 years, came to a sudden and unexpected end on Sunday, sparking a range of responses from international leaders.
Here’s a round-up of key reactions from around the world:
Russia: High Alert and Concerns Over Terrorism
Russia, a long-time ally of Assad, expressed concern over the situation, with Russian troops in Syria placed on high alert. However, Russian officials assured that the rebels had guaranteed the safety of Russian military bases within the country. Before reports surfaced that Assad had fled to Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov emphasized on Saturday that Syria must not fall into the hands of “terrorist groups.”
United States: Calls for Accountability
U.S. President Joe Biden responded to the developments by expressing his intent to engage with all Syrian groups to facilitate a transition from the Assad regime toward an independent, sovereign Syria. “Assad should be held accountable,” Biden said when asked about the future of the deposed president, reaffirming the U.S. stance on accountability for war crimes and atrocities committed under Assad’s rule.
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China: Hope for Stability
China has closely monitored the situation and expressed hopes for a quick return to stability in Syria. The Chinese Foreign Ministry called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and a restoration of stability in the country, which has been torn apart by years of war.
Iran: Continued Support for Syria
Iran, another major backer of the Assad regime, pledged to maintain “friendly” relations with Syria moving forward. Iran’s Foreign Ministry stated that it would continue to support Syria, but would adjust its approach depending on the political realities in Damascus.
Turkey: Commitment to Syria’s Unity
Turkey, a supporter of the Syrian opposition, emphasized its commitment to helping “heal Syria’s wounds” and ensuring the country’s unity, integrity, and security. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan indicated that Turkey would play a constructive role in Syria’s post-Assad future, aiming to promote peace and stability.
United Nations: Cautious Hope for Peace
The UN’s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, described the rebel takeover as a “watershed moment” in the country’s long-running civil war. Pedersen expressed cautious optimism for a new chapter of peace and reconciliation, highlighting the need for dignity and inclusion for all Syrians in any future political process.
France: Welcoming Assad’s Fall
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s “barbaric state,” paying tribute to the resilience and courage of the Syrian people. Macron’s remarks underscored France’s stance on holding the Assad regime accountable for its brutal treatment of civilians throughout the conflict.
Germany: Commitment to Political Solutions
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also responded to Assad’s downfall by reaffirming Germany’s readiness to contribute to a political solution in Syria. Scholz condemned Assad’s brutal oppression of his people and expressed Germany’s commitment to helping bring lasting peace to Syria.
United Arab Emirates: Call for Unity
A senior official from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) urged Syrians to unite and work together to avoid plunging the country into further chaos. Presidential adviser Anwar Gargash emphasized the importance of collaboration among Syrians to secure peace and stability in the wake of Assad’s ousting.
United Kingdom: A Push for Peace and Protection of Civilians
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for a peaceful and stable Syria, emphasizing the need for the protection of civilians and minorities. Starmer, who was on a visit to the United Arab Emirates, expressed that the removal of Assad provided a “real opportunity” for the country to move forward and resolve its internal conflicts.
European Union: Support for Reconstruction
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pledged that the EU would assist in rebuilding a Syrian state that protects all minorities. Kaja Kallas, the EU’s top diplomat, referred to Assad’s fall as a “long-awaited and positive development,” noting that it highlighted the weakness of Assad’s primary backers, Russia and Iran.
Israel: A Blow to Iran’s Influence
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed Assad’s overthrow as a significant blow to Iran’s influence in the region, describing it as the collapse of a “central link in Iran’s axis of evil.” Netanyahu tied the fall of Assad to Israeli military operations targeting Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon, which he believes helped weaken the Assad regime.
Ukraine: Support for Syrian People
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga welcomed Assad’s departure, commenting that authoritarian leaders who rely on support from figures like Russian President Vladimir Putin are destined to fall. Sybiga also expressed Ukraine’s continued support for the Syrian people in their pursuit of freedom.
Taliban: Hopes for an Islamic Government
Afghanistan’s Taliban government congratulated the Syrian people and rebels, expressing hopes that the transition would lead to an “independent and service-oriented Islamic government.” The Taliban called for a Syria free from external interference.
Iraq: Respect for Syrian Sovereignty
Iraq, which shares a border with Syria, emphasized the importance of respecting the “free will” of all Syrians. Iraqi officials stressed that Syria’s security, territorial integrity, and independence are of paramount importance in any future political process.
Japan: Hope for Peace and Prosperity
Japan, closely monitoring the developments in Syria, voiced hope for an end to violence and the restoration of basic human rights, freedom, and prosperity for the Syrian people. Japan’s government expressed its desire for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
International Red Cross: Urgency of Humanitarian Aid
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) warned that Syrians are facing “immense and urgent needs” in the aftermath of over a decade of war. The IFRC emphasized the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the country and called for immediate aid to address the suffering of millions of Syrians displaced by the conflict.
As the world responds to the fall of Assad, there is a shared understanding that Syria’s path to recovery will be complex and fraught with challenges. However, many international voices are hopeful that the end of Assad’s rule could open the door to a new chapter of peace and stability for the long-suffering country.
