Damascus has fallen and Assad has fled, so that's that.
Middle East Politics
- Thread starter Raoul
- Start date
Damascus has fallen and Assad has fled, so that's that.
Assad's an awful human being and a piece of fecal matter, the Syrians deserve better.
I'm not sure the HTS reasonable chaps are the answer though.
Don’t know what the future holds in store for Syria, but I’m In tears here watching this.
There’s reports coming out that the plane he was fleeing on has crashed.
I’ve checked flight radar and there is definitely a flight RB9218 that took off from Damascus and then appears to have crashed/taken down near Homs. It goes from 20k feet to zero within seconds. Whether Assad was on board that flight I don’t know.
That's being reported by a number of accounts now. Would be interesting to see what actually happened.
Rest in power kid
Is it really?
https://www.timesofisrael.com/yaalon-syrian-rebels-keeping-druze-safe-in-exchange-for-israeli-aid/
I never paid attention to this so-called apology nor gave it any credit. I just watched ISIS' and its spawns actions and declarations for decades. For such a radical group so hell bent on islamic rules, there's been remarkably little pushback on Israel and the Palestinian question.
It's a moot point anyways, since Assad's regime is now gone and Syria will enter the "post 2003 Iraq phase". This country is, by all accounts, done.
Last edited:
I long for the day where you'll show the same semblance of empathy for the people of Gaza.
Last edited:
I think this is the type of response I would have crafted myself to that post on here 8-10 years ago. Perhaps I’d have been right, I don’t know.
For now, the prospect of an Assad-free Syria is a bit overwhelming, I can’t imagine what it’s like for a Syrian to contemplate at this time so I’ll leave it there for tonight.
I do not either.
On one hand I'm truly happy that the Assad regime has fallen. On the other, I've seen this storyboard play out too many times before.
Thanks again for taking the time to reply.
Last edited:
Same, it's time for Syrian's to savour the moment, who would have thought things would turn like this.
Watching those prisoners being released and returning to their families is really heart warming.
Congratulations @syrian_scholes, still an uncertain moment in regards to the future, but a time to enjoy this historical moment.
This is quite something. What a moment! But now where will it go? I imagine many people in Syria are both happy and very nervous now.
I suppose a separation of Syria into a bunch of smaller states would make most sense given the current situation of the various factions, but are any of them open to that? I suppose the Kurds would be? All groups would have to agree to have any chance of a peaceful outcome, short-term and long-term...
Sorry if this has been discussed at length already.
I suppose a separation of Syria into a bunch of smaller states would make most sense given the current situation of the various factions, but are any of them open to that? I suppose the Kurds would be? All groups would have to agree to have any chance of a peaceful outcome, short-term and long-term...
Sorry if this has been discussed at length already.
Which countries and what aims?
Crazy that it seemed to have happened so fast.
Tears of…?
Joy, obviously.
Without knowing the poster, it is clear that the fall of Assad's regime means an awful lot to them and there's plenty of valid reasons for that.
It's something anyone should rejoice if there weren't so many questions about the new masters of Syria.
What a turnaround. Unbelievable ... Rest in Piss, Assad.
Obviously too early to judge what comes next, but in context of Assad regime alone and the 13-year long civil war and revolution (not what may replace him), this is quite the ending. Happy for Syrians who suffered under his and his father's rule. I imagine many haven't been able/allowed to visit their homeland for over a decade (very sad feeling, only once you lose this, you realize how dear and valuable this is).
Also, selfishly, happy because Islamic Republic lost another one of its allies in the region, got more isolated and weaker, and another piece of the puzzle of that stupid Shii'tee crescent has collapsed. Just shame about the 50 billion dollars of our people's money which was spent to keep Assad in power.
I can't believe in 6 months, we've seen the death of likes of Raissi, Haniyeh, Sinwar, Nasrallah and now probably Assad. This is an avalanche and obviously a re-set moment in the Middle East that won't stop until the main piece, Khamenei regime, falls too. Also, the speed it's been happening:
Hamas took a year
Hezbollah two months
Assad regime two weeks
will Ayatollah falls in 2 days once things get going at this rate ?
In Iranian social media, the regime supporters are extremely low on morale. They lost their shitt'e shrines in Damascus and posted videos of sobbing that it may be the last time they will ever be in Zainab or Roghayya shrine (cry harder please!) , have seen their resistance axis gets mowed down one piece at a time, and I can't help but think many will be thinking about jumping ship from the losing horse (Tehran regime) before it's their turn. And all of this before Trump even takes power.
Tik-tok ... I wonder if the next piece of the puzzle are Yemense Houthis or Hashad-Al-Shaabi in Iraq. but things are moving so fast.
There are decades where nothing happens, and there are days where decades happen" - Lenin. This is exactly what we're witnessing in the Middle East.
*** One question about Syria: With Assad gone, does the non-agression pact between SDF and HTS remain? What happens to the territory? Will there be a referendum to determine the next regime? Will we see mass executions of Assad regime military officials? Will Al-Jolani rule by default? So many questions ...
Obviously too early to judge what comes next, but in context of Assad regime alone and the 13-year long civil war and revolution (not what may replace him), this is quite the ending. Happy for Syrians who suffered under his and his father's rule. I imagine many haven't been able/allowed to visit their homeland for over a decade (very sad feeling, only once you lose this, you realize how dear and valuable this is).
Also, selfishly, happy because Islamic Republic lost another one of its allies in the region, got more isolated and weaker, and another piece of the puzzle of that stupid Shii'tee crescent has collapsed. Just shame about the 50 billion dollars of our people's money which was spent to keep Assad in power.
I can't believe in 6 months, we've seen the death of likes of Raissi, Haniyeh, Sinwar, Nasrallah and now probably Assad. This is an avalanche and obviously a re-set moment in the Middle East that won't stop until the main piece, Khamenei regime, falls too. Also, the speed it's been happening:
Hamas took a year
Hezbollah two months
Assad regime two weeks
will Ayatollah falls in 2 days once things get going at this rate ?
In Iranian social media, the regime supporters are extremely low on morale. They lost their shitt'e shrines in Damascus and posted videos of sobbing that it may be the last time they will ever be in Zainab or Roghayya shrine (cry harder please!) , have seen their resistance axis gets mowed down one piece at a time, and I can't help but think many will be thinking about jumping ship from the losing horse (Tehran regime) before it's their turn. And all of this before Trump even takes power.
Tik-tok ... I wonder if the next piece of the puzzle are Yemense Houthis or Hashad-Al-Shaabi in Iraq. but things are moving so fast.
There are decades where nothing happens, and there are days where decades happen" - Lenin. This is exactly what we're witnessing in the Middle East.
*** One question about Syria: With Assad gone, does the non-agression pact between SDF and HTS remain? What happens to the territory? Will there be a referendum to determine the next regime? Will we see mass executions of Assad regime military officials? Will Al-Jolani rule by default? So many questions ...
Bashar would’ve probably fallen had Putin not swooped in to save him circa 2015. It will be interesting to see where he emerges. One would imagine Tehran would seem the most likely landing spot.
As for Khamanei, the regime will probably be vigilant for knock on demonstrations taking place now that people have a better appreciation for how quickly these autocratic regimes can crumble when they’re most vulnerable. Same applies to Putin as well.
I am trying to connect dots of Oct 7 to present day. All opposition of Israel has been crushed.
Hope it’s not a case of better be careful of what you wish for
Tuvalu and global domination.
there doesn't have to be any "dots". One random event in such an interconnected region can cascade many other random things into happening.
And it doesn't start with Oct.7. The main power player backing Assad, Russia, has been focused elsewhere for multiple years now.
https://bsky.app/profile/maks23.bsky.social/post/3lcrl7jf4c22v
Syrian rebels have entered Assad's palace in Damascus. What Russia has been building in this country for almost 10 years has been destroyed.This morning, the rebels announced the beginning of a new era. People in Syria are celebrating in the streets.
One vital difference is the existence of a strong armed opposition to Al-Assad, which wasn't borne overnight. They don't have anything like that in Iran.
Historic moments here. Hopefully Syria can transition into a peaceful and stable government. Many questions remain but we'll see how it goes.
PM Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali declares readiness to support transition as rebels announce they will maintain supervision of public institutions through the “former prime minister” during handover.
Assad was bad, but these lot are just fanatical murderers. Syria has been dying for years now, such a tragic story.
I wouldn't read too much into it.
No one, absolutely no one, including the Israeli government, could've predicted the current situation a year ago.
There were too many variables from the war in Ukraine to the unconditional and despicable US support to Israel, up to the "sudden" 180° turn of Turkey to take into account.
On the other hand, I think that it will push Russia, China, and Iran to strengthen their current alliance.
Last edited:
Iraq said they have secured the 300 km border with Syria with large number of military personell.
Assa
Nothing can be worse than a Russian backed Assad. Have concerns, sure, but today is a very good day.
Assad's whereabouts still unknown but this is Reuters:
This is wonderful (being freed) and tragic at the same time. Nobody should be locked away for 40 years for their political views.
What a shame if true.
What strikes me is he didn't even come out on state TV for a speech or anything. Zero messaging to the public.
Given that the operation launched merely hours after the ceasefire deal and the SAA and Russian forces showed zero resistance , it makes me think a deal was agreed between USA-Turkey-Russia and Assad regime was sold. It's just incredible that a 13-year old civil war ended in 13 days.
As for Khamenei, he seems to have a death wish with his latest actions. The Islamic parliament just passed a new Hijab law that would issue insanely massive fines for not wearing hijab, or businesses who don't deny service to hijab-less women, and more importantly Pezeshkian has been adament that they'll have to raise the fuel prices by double or triple to balance the budget (the regime is bankrupt and that's before Trump and maximum pressure even returning yet) (This was the trigger of the deadly November 2019 protests). In addition, due to mismanagement, there is darkness in some major cities for several hours a day due to lack of enough electricity. It's like dominoes ready to explode. I suspect Khamenei will try to accelerate towards nukes after this, which won't be tolerated by Israel and Trump and can kick start the fatal blow to the regime which will be finished off by the people.
Assad's fall has also shown there is no magical "alliance" that Putin saves his friends anymore. He's more than tied up himself and when he sees fit, he'll set a лову́шка for his "allies". As for Putin himself, it's harder to tell, since Russians are some of the most apolitical people I've ever met. Truly "It is what it is and it won't change" mentality.
Meanwhile, let's hold a candle for the far right and far left, both of whom are devastated at Assad loss. For those folks, people of Syria/Iran simply don't exist, but are just some pawns in a geopolitical chessboard in their imaginary fight vs. Impersialism/Colonialism. It's a good day when Jackson Hinkle, Syrian Girl, Quincy Institute, The Grey Zone and Rania Khalek and Cathlin Johnstone are crying.
Where have I heard this before?
Historic scenes.