In an un-expected turn of events Bashar al-Assad left Damascus early sunday morning (as two high-ranking military officers told news agencies) marking the end of his familys 50-year control over Syria
The quick rebel advance made huge changes in Syrian cities: statues of Assads relatives got destroyed pictures were torn down and government buildings lost their long-time decorations. The army command informed its officers that the half-century rule was done – a fact that shocked many mid-east observers
Bashar al-Assad got his position about 24 years ago after his dad passed away. Being an eye-doctor in London he wasnt meant to rule: his brother Bassel was the first choice but died in a car crash back in mid-90s. The new leader tried to look modern and open-minded – he married British-born Asma Akhras drove simple cars and made promises about changes
Do we say to him: ʼYour hands are covered in blood?ʼ Or do we thank him for saving the patient?
The civil war that started after 2011 street protests changed everything. With help from Moscow and Tehran Assad kept control over most areas but never fully won:
- Lost many territories to different groups
- Faced chemical weapons use accusations
- Got cut off from many world leaders
- Couldnt fix broken economy
Even though some arab countries started talking to him again in recent years (like his visit to UAE in 2022)‚ he stayed isolated from western powers. His army – which he once said “had every colour of Syrian society“ – quickly fell back when rebels started their last push
The final chapter began when Assadʼs main supporters got busy elsewhere: his forces couldnʼt hold ground without direct help from foreign allies. Now Damascus is free from its long-time ruler as rebels declared this morning