The world has witnessed the fall of another dictator, Bashar al-Assad, who continued the legacy of his father, Hafez al-Assad. Assad fled from Syria and sought asylum in Moscow. It has culminated the brutal era of authoritarian rule in a nation steeped in history and culture. Syria, an ancient land, has played a vital role in the region’s history. Its capital, Damascus, once served as the centre of the Umayyad Caliphate. Despite the diverse ideologies and allegiances of the opposition groups, they managed to unite to overthrow Assad’s dictatorial regime. However, while this victory brings hope, the challenges that lie ahead are immense. Today, 90 percent of Syrians live below the poverty line, highlighting the dire state of the nation.
Syria’s strategic geographical location has made it a focal point of international interest, drawing the attention of powerful nations such as the United States, Türkiye, Russia, Iran, and Israel. Under Bashar al-Assad, Syria served as Russia’s only ally in the Gulf region with communist inclinations. Assad also led Syria’s sole political party, the Baath Party, consolidating power under his authoritarian rule. Meanwhile, Iran relied on Syria as a vital route to arm and support Hezbollah. Türkiye’s involvement stemmed from its efforts to address the Kurdish issue and expand its influence in the Middle East. For the United States, controlling Syria was crucial to safeguarding Israel’s security and maintaining its dominance in the region. Consequently, Syria became a furnace of conflicting global interests, exacerbating its internal struggles.
The fall of Bashar al-Assad presents Syria with numerous challenges. The nation must avoid the fate of Iraq and Libya, where regime changes led to prolonged instability and chaos. While the Syrian people have finally achieved freedom from decades of oppression under the Assad dynasty, their hardships are far from over. There is a significant risk that Syria could fall under the influence of another external oppressor, such as the United States. The downfall of Assad underscores a timeless truth: no dictatorship lasts for ever; the will of the people ultimately prevails.
The people of Aleppo, in particular, have endured unimaginable suffering, including chemical weapon attacks and widespread human rights violations. As opposition groups take control in Damascus, their real challenge lies in staying united and demonstrating their commitment to democracy and human rights. They must convince the international community that they are capable of protecting the rights of all citizens, including Syria’s diverse minorities.
Syria’s path to recovery will require rebuilding its social, political, and economic structures. Restoring peace and normalcy, upholding the rule of law, and reviving the economy are critical first steps. The country must also explore its rich oil and natural resources, navigate the complexities of American sanctions, and foster inclusive development. For Syria to emerge as a stable and progressive nation, the opposition must prioritise justice, unity, and sustainable growth. Only then can Syria begin to heal from decades of dictatorship and move toward a brighter future.