SRINAGAR: Sixty-one years of Baath Party rule in Syria came to a dramatic and decisive end on Sunday when anti-regime forces seized control of the capital, Damascus. The fall of the city marked the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s government and brought an end to the Assad family’s five-decade-long domination of Syrian politics, heralding a new and uncertain chapter for the war-torn country.
The Baath Party had ruled Syria since 1963, coming to power through a military coup that installed its brand of Arab socialism. Hafez al-Assad, a key figure in the party, cemented his control in 1970 through an internal coup and became president in 1971. His presidency defined an era of autocratic rule, bolstered by a pervasive security apparatus. After Hafez died in 2000, his son, Bashar al-Assad, inherited the presidency, perpetuating the Assad dynasty.
The regime’s downfall began with the Arab Spring-inspired protests of 2011, which started in the southern city of Daraa. A group of schoolchildren wrote the words “Hey Doctor (Bashar al-Assad), now it’s your turn” on a wall, sparking peaceful demonstrations. The regime’s violent crackdown on these protests ignited a civil war that engulfed the country, resulting in hundreds of thousands of deaths, mass displacement, and the destruction of Syria’s infrastructure.
While the Assad regime maintained its grip on power for over a decade despite international isolation and sanctions, its fall came suddenly over the past two weeks. The turning point began on November 27, when anti-regime groups launched a large-scale offensive in the western countryside of Aleppo. Over the next week, these groups, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and the Syrian National Army, advanced rapidly, capturing key regions such as Aleppo, Idlib, Hama, and Homs.
By December 6, anti-regime forces had reached the southern suburbs of Damascus. Regime forces began withdrawing from key institutions, including the Defence and Interior Ministries and the international airport. On December 8, demonstrators flooded the streets of Damascus, overwhelming the remaining regime forces and taking control of the city. Protesters also stormed Sednayah Prison, notorious for torture and mass executions, freeing hundreds of detainees. Statues of Hafez al-Assad were torn down across the country as jubilant crowds celebrated the regime’s collapse.
Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali, one of the few remaining figures from the Assad government, addressed the nation in a video statement. He acknowledged the regime’s defeat and extended an olive branch to the opposition. “We are ready to work with a new government elected by the people in Syria and provide them with all necessary support,” he said, calling for a peaceful transition. He urged protesters to spare public property and adhere to the principles of unity and reconciliation.
Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, leader of HTS, also addressed the situation, warning against looting or the destruction of state institutions. “These institutions will remain under the supervision of the former prime minister until they are officially handed over,” he declared, stressing the importance of order during this transitional phase.
As Assad’s regime unravelled, international dynamics came into play. In eastern Syria, the US-backed Syrian Free Army launched attacks on Assad-controlled territories, while the PKK/YPG terrorist organisation seized control of areas abandoned by regime forces. This multifaceted conflict highlights the complexity of Syria’s post-Assad future, with both domestic and international actors vying for influence.
Bashar al-Assad’s whereabouts remain unknown. Prime Minister Jalali stated that his last communication with Assad occurred on Saturday regarding routine matters. There is widespread speculation that the ousted leader may have fled to Russia or a neighbouring Middle Eastern country. Foreign media reported conflicting accounts, with some suggesting that Russian forces may have facilitated his escape.
The fall of the Baath regime is being celebrated as a moment of liberation by many Syrians, but the country now faces daunting challenges. Decades of autocratic rule, civil war, and foreign interventions have left Syria deeply divided and devastated. With no clear leadership in place, the transition to a new political order will require significant reconciliation and rebuilding efforts.
As the regime crumbled, anti-Assad groups began advancing on other regions, including Deir ez-Zor, which had been occupied by the PKK/YPG. The opposition’s military successes highlight the regime’s rapid disintegration, but the path to stability remains uncertain. Syrians are now tasked with charting a course for their future, one that addresses the grievances and aspirations that fuelled the uprising over a decade ago.
The collapse of the Assad regime marks the end of an era characterised by repression, conflict, and international isolation. For many, it is a moment of hope, tempered by the recognition of the immense work required to rebuild a fractured nation. As the dust settles on this historic upheaval, the world watches closely to see how Syria will navigate its new reality.
