The fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government in the early hours of Sunday morning brought to a dramatic end his nearly 14-year struggle to hold onto power as his country was torn apart by a devastating civil war that became a proxy battleground for regional and international forces.
In a lightning 12-day offensive, rebel groups spearheaded by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham took city after city as they made their way south from Aleppo towards the capital Damascus as the Syrian army offered little to no resistance and seemingly melted away.
Here’s a look at how world leaders and other international figures have reacted to this unexpected development which could reshape not only Syria but also upend the power dynamics across the Middle East.
Germany
In a television address, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Assad “has tens of thousands of lives on his conscience” and blamed him for creating the mass exodus of refugees from Syria.
“Our thoughts today are with all the victims of the Assad regime, the brutally murdered, the tortured and the refugees. Over the last few years, the Syrian people have experienced terrible suffering under Assad. That is why the end of Assad’s rule is good news for now,” he said.
“All Syrians must be given the opportunity to live in dignity and self-determination. This is how we will measure the next Syrian government.”
France
In a post on X, President Emmanuel Macron referred to the Assad regime as a “barbaric state” and expressed relief that it had fallen.
“I pay tribute to the Syrian people, to their courage, to their patience. In this moment of uncertainty, I send them my wishes for peace, freedom, and unity. France will remain committed to the security of all in the Middle East,” he wrote.
Poland
Also posting on X, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the fall of Assad is proof that Russia and its allies can be defeated.
“The events in Syria have made the world realise once again, or at least they should, that even the most cruel regime may fall and that Russia and its allies can be defeated,” he said.
United Kingdom
Prime Minister Keir Starmer released a written statement in which he said the events that have played out in Syria over the last few hours are “unprecedented.”
“The Syrian people have suffered under Assad’s barbaric regime for too long and we welcome his departure,” he wrote.
“Our focus now is on ensuring a political solution prevails, and peace and stability is restored.”
The Netherlands
In an X post, Prime Minister Dick Schoof called the fall of Assad “a relief to all those who suffered under his cruel dictatorship.”
“Now a peaceful transition and the restoration of stability, while ensuring respect for all the country’s minorities, are crucial for Syria and the region. We are following developments closely.”
European Union
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen posted on X, saying “this historic change in the region offers opportunities” but cautioned it was “not without risks.”
“Europe is ready to support safeguarding national unity and rebuilding a Syrian state that protects all minorities. We are engaging with European and regional leaders and monitoring developments.”
And the EU Foreign Policy chief Kaja Kallas said the fall of the Assad regime was a “positive and long-awaited development.”
“It also shows the weakness of Assad’s backers, Russia and Iran. Our priority is to ensure security in the region. I will work with all the constructive partners, in Syria and in the region,” she said in a statement posted on X.
Türkiye
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the Syrian people “have begun a new day in which they will determine the future of their country.”
Posting on X, Fidan said, “Türkiye is ready to undertake whatever responsibility is necessary to heal Syria’s wounds and ensure its unity, integrity and security. We will further intensify our work on this issue with regional countries and international actors in the coming days.”
United States
Speaking at the White House, President Joe Biden said, “At long last the Assad regime has fallen”, calling its downfall a “fundamental act of justice.”
“It’s a moment of historic opportunity for the long-suffering people of Syria, to build a better future for their proud country. It’s also a moment of risk and uncertainty.”
“The upshot for all this is, for the first time ever, neither Russia nor Iran or Hezbollah could defend this abhorrent regime in Syria. This is a direct result of blows that Ukraine, Israel have delivered upon their own self-defence with unflagging support of the United States,” he said.
United Nations
In a written statement, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the end of Syria’s “dictatorial regime” and urged the country to rebuild.
“After 14 years of brutal war and the fall of the dictatorial regime, today the people of Syria can seize an historic opportunity to build a stable and peaceful future,” he said.
“I reiterate my call for calm and avoiding violence at this sensitive time, while protecting the rights of all Syrians, without distinction.”
Israel
And in a video posted to X, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referred to a “historic day for the Middle East.”
“The collapse of the Assad regime, the tyranny in Damascus, offers great opportunity but is also fraught with significant dangers. We send a hand of peace to all those beyond our border in Syria; to the Druze, to the Kurds, to the Christians and to the Muslims who want to live in peace with Israel.”
