The fall of Syria’s authoritarian regime triggered mixed reactions worldwide. Many Syrians, both abroad and in neighboring countries, celebrated Assad’s ouster, seeing it as a long-awaited victory. In Lebanon, thousands of Syrians rushed to the Masnaa border to return home, despite the uncertainty ahead. “Anything is better than Bashar,” said Sami Abdel-Latif, a refugee, as he headed back to reunite with his family.
While some celebrated, others expressed concern about the future. In Amman, Jordan, resident Muhab al-Majali called Assad’s fall the end of “unjust and tyrannical rule,” but many remained wary. Saeed Sawy, an engineer in Cairo, warned of potential infighting among Syria’s rebel factions, recalling similar struggles in Libya and Yemen.
In response to the unrest, neighboring countries heightened security. Lebanon closed most land crossings, and Jordan shut a border post. Israeli forces briefly seized control of a buffer zone in the Golan Heights. Meanwhile, airstrikes targeted Syrian military sites.
Iran, a key ally of Assad, urged the Syrian people to shape their own future without foreign interference. Iraq and Egypt echoed this call for dialogue, while Yemen’s government hailed Assad’s fall as a historic moment. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed hope for Syria’s future but urged regional cooperation for stability.
In Europe, celebrations broke out in cities like Paris and London. European leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, welcomed Assad’s departure but stressed the need for a swift return to stability. The UN called for an orderly political transition.
The U.S. government assessed the situation, with President Biden meeting with his security team. Despite celebrating the end of Assad’s rule, many feared the consequences of Syria’s uncertain future. President-elect Trump, however, urged non-involvement, stating that Syria was not America’s fight.
As the region waits, the focus remains on ensuring Syria’s stability and the protection of its citizens. The world watches closely as the next chapter in Syria’s long conflict unfolds.
