In a ground-breaking turn of events Syrian rebels have pushed Bashar al-Assad out of Damascus marking the end of his familys long-standing control over the country (which lasted more than a decade)
The international community rushed to address this sudden power-shift: Western nations Iran and Russia all made quick statements about their positions. The Iranian foreign ministry pushed for quick end to fighting while maintaining its support for Syria; however Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Assads fall came from Israelʼs actions against Iran-backed forces
The barbaric state has fallen. Finally. I pay tribute to the Syrian people to their courage to their patience
Regional powers took different approaches to the situation:
- Saudi-Arabia started talks with regional players
- Jordanʼs King Abdullah stressed need for stability
- Qatar pushed for UN resolution implementation
- Turkey called for inclusive new government
Joe Bidenʼs administration keeps close contact with partners while Russian ministry confirmed Assadʼs departure - saying their bases remain on high alert. Moscow claims its not involved in transition talks but stays in touch with opposition groups
The UN special envoy Geir Pedersen highlighted Syrian peoples wish for stable transition: his office works on supporting dialogue between different groups. Meanwhile German officials including Annalena Baerbock pointed out need to protect ethnic-religious minorities like Kurds Alawites and Christians during this period
The Pentagon confirmed it will keep its presence in east Syria to prevent any ISIS comeback - while international aid groups prepare for possible new humanitarian needs