Nations Call for Stability as Rebels Oust Assad

Islamist-led rebels have successfully overthrown Syria’s long-standing leader, Bashar al-Assad, in a rapid offensive. The event has been described as a pivotal moment in Syria’s civil war by the United Nations’ special envoy. Here are global reactions to the situation:

China expressed its hope that Syria could quickly return to stability, closely monitoring the ongoing developments in the country. Similarly, France welcomed Assad’s ousting, urging Syrians to reject extremism and push for unity amidst the nation’s fragmentation, calling for a peaceful transition.

Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stressed the importance of preventing Syria from falling into the hands of radicals, emphasizing the need to protect ethnic and religious minorities, such as Kurds and Alawites.

In Iran, diplomats from Assad’s ally were reported to have evacuated the Syrian embassy in Damascus after it came under attack. Iran’s foreign minister had previously called for political dialogue between the Syrian government and opposition groups.

Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan acknowledged that the downfall of Assad was the culmination of Syria’s prolonged civil war, which had plunged the country into turmoil over the past 13 years.

A senior official from the United Arab Emirates urged Syrians to cooperate and prevent further chaos in the country. The United Kingdom echoed the sentiment of seeking stability through political solutions, despite acknowledging the brutal rule of Assad.

The United Nations, cautiously optimistic, referred to the situation as a moment of hope for peace and reconciliation. Meanwhile, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump attributed Assad’s fall to Russia’s lack of interest in continuing its support for the Syrian regime.

This shift marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict, with calls for both international cooperation and internal unity to chart a path forward for Syria.