Syria President Bashar al-Assad’s ouster: World leaders reaction to rebels takeover. Check reactions

Syrian rebels declared President Bashar al-Assad’s ouster on Sunday after seizing Damascus, forcing him to flee the country and bringing an end to his family’s decades-long rule.

The rebels’ aggressive seizure of Damascus on Sunday capped more than 13 years of brutal civil war.

The overthrow was orchestrated by a coalition of rebel forces, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the Free Syrian Army, the Kurdish factions, and the Syrian National Army, signaling an unprecedented unity among opposition groups in their fight against Assad’s regime.

WHAT LED TO ASSAD’S OUSTER

After over a decade of unrest in Syria, Assad’s power seemed stable just weeks ago, but shifting regional and global dynamics played a critical role in his ouster.

A surprise rebel offensive on Damascus caught his regime off guard. Russia, preoccupied with its war in Ukraine, offered limited support, while Hezbollah struggled with its conflict against Israel. Attempts by Assad to secure help from regional powers like the UAE, Egypt, and Jordan reportedly failed, leaving Syria in political uncertainty.

HOW WORLD REACTED TO ASSAD’S OUSTER?

Germany

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz welcomed Assad’s removal, calling it “good news” for Syria.

“Assad has brutally oppressed his people, caused untold suffering, and forced countless Syrians to flee, many to Germany. The end of his rule offers hope for the Syrian people,” news agency Reuters quoted Scholz as saying.

“What matters now is that law and order are quickly restored in Syria. All religious communities, all minorities must enjoy protection now and in the future,” he added.

Iran

Iran expressed cautious optimism, urging dialogue and unity in Syria.

In a statement, Iran’s Foreign Ministry called for “a swift end to military conflicts, the prevention of terrorist actions, and the commencement of national dialogue”.

Tehran reaffirmed its commitment to Syria’s sovereignty and pledged continued support for international efforts to advance a political resolution.

Russia:

Moscow, a long-standing ally of Assad, adopted a pragmatic stance.

“Syrians will have to cope with a full-scale civil war alone,” Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Upper House of Parliament Konstantin Kosachyov said as quoted by news agency Reuters.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has left office and departed the country after giving orders that there be a peaceful handover of power.

The ministry did not say where Assad was now and said Russia has not taken part in the talks around his departure.

The ministry said Russia’s military bases in Syria had been put on a state of high alert, but that there was no serious threat to them at the current time. Moscow is in touch with all Syrian opposition groups and urges all sides to refrain from violence.

Turkey:

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said that Syria has reached a stage where the people will shape the future of their own country.

“The Syrian people cannot do this alone. Turkey attaches importance to Syrian territorial integrity. A new Syrian administration must be established inclusively, there should be no desire for revenge. Turkey calls on all actors to act with prudence and to be watchful. Terrorist organisations must not be allowed to take advantage of this situation. Opposition groups must be united. We will work for stability and safety in Syria,” Fidan said in a press conference in Doha.

He added that the new Syria should not pose a threat to neighbours, it should eliminate threats.

United States:

The United States called for civilian protection and pledged to maintain its presence in eastern Syria to prevent a resurgence of the Islamic State.

“President Biden and his team are closely monitoring the extraordinary events in Syria and staying in constant touch with regional partners,” the White House said in a statement.

Meanwhile, US Pentagon official and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East Daniel Shapiro called on all parties to protect civilians, particularly minorities, and respect international norms.

“The United States will continue to maintain its presence in eastern Syria and will take measures necessary to prevent a resurgence of the Islamic State,” Shapiro told the Manama Dialogue security conference in Bahrain.

US President-elect Donald Trump traded barbs at Russia and Iran. He said “Russia and Iran are in a weakened state right now, one because of Ukraine and a bad economy, the other because of Israel and its fighting success”.

“Assad is gone. He has fled his country. His protector, Russia, Russia, Russia, led by Vladimir Putin, was not interested in protecting him any longer,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

Israel:

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed Assad’s fall as a significant blow to Iran and Hezbollah.

“This is a historic day, a result of our firm stance against hostile forces,” Netanyahu said, reaffirming Israel’s commitment to securing its borders against threats.

France:

French President Emmanuel Macron celebrated the end of Assad’s reign, describing it as “the fall of a barbaric state”.

“The barbaric state has fallen. Finally, I pay tribute to the Syrian people, to their courage, to their patience. At this moment of uncertainty, I wish them peace, freedom and unity,” French President Emmanuel Macron said in a post on X social media.

“France will remain committed to the security of all in the Middle East,” he said.

(With inputs from Reuters.)