Fall of Assad highlights the peril for Putin-backed regimes
The Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, commenting on the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, warns about the fate of dictators reliant on the support of Vladimir Putin.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, in a Sunday statement, referred to the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria, emphasising that "this is how it always has been and will be" with dictators who rely on the help of Vladimir Putin.
Sybiha pointed out that Assad, like other autocrats who trusted the Russian leader, was betrayed. "The main goal now is to restore security in Syria and effectively protect people from violence," he wrote on social media.
A warning for dictators. "It has always been this way"
Bashar al-Assad, after 24 years of rule, was overthrown by Syrian rebels, forcing him to flee from Damascus. His family, for years amassing wealth estimated at £800 million to £1.6 billion (€950 million to €1.9 billion), hid it through shell companies, bypassing international sanctions and laundering money from illegal activities.
As the rebels gained control over strategic points in the country, Hezbollah supported the defence of certain regions, while Russia and Iran continued their support for Assad. However, growing chaos and economic difficulties weakened the regime, leading to its collapse.
The fall of Assad caused uncertainty in the region. Turkey and other forces are eager for change, and relations with Russia and Iran may be re-evaluated. Assad always felt the greatest support from Moscow and Tehran, despite difficult times.
Syrian citizens, suffering from repression, now expect stabilisation and the rebuilding of the state. The outbreak of rebellion was the result of long-standing frustration, and the humanitarian situation in the country remains difficult. The final shape of the new order in Syria is still undecided, and political dialogue will be essential in the process of transforming the country after the fall of dictatorial power.
