Former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has arrived in Moscow with his family after Russia granted him asylum. The dramatic move follows over 13 years of civil war that reshaped the Middle East’s political dynamics.
Russian state media, TASS, reported that Assad’s departure came after rebel forces captured Damascus, culminating in his “resignation” during intra-Syrian negotiations.
The rebels’ offensive, which began on November 27, swiftly seized major cities before entering the capital on Sunday.
Analysts view Assad’s fall as a turning point, signaling weakened influence for his key allies, Russia and Iran.
Their inability to intervene decisively highlights their diminishing regional power, exacerbated by Russia’s focus on Ukraine and Iran’s preoccupations with Israel.
US President-elect Donald Trump remarked, “His protector, Russia, was no longer interested in shielding him.”
Meanwhile, the Kremlin has initiated talks with Syria’s new leadership, advocating a UN-mediated political settlement.
