Janice R. Andrews
In a dramatic turn of events, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled to Moscow after Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a rebel group, captured Damascus and overthrew his government. The Kremlin stated that Assad “decided to step aside,” but sources reveal his ousting was driven by the rebel alliance.
Assad and his family sought asylum in Russia, with state news agency RIA Novosti citing “humanitarian reasons” for their relocation. Meanwhile, Abu Mohammad al-Golani, leader of HTS, has taken control of the country.
To manage the situation, Mohammed al-Bashir will serve as Syria’s interim prime minister until March 2025, forming a transitional government focused on addressing the country’s immediate needs.
This shift marks a pivotal moment in Syria’s ongoing conflict. As the rebels assume control, the world watches closely to see how Syria’s future will unfold under HTS and the implications of Russia’s involvement in the crisis.
