Syria’s Crisis: Rebels Declare New Era As Assad Reportedly Flees
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Following a rebellion that has rocked Syria, rebels declared a new era in the country on Sunday, announcing that President Bashar al-Assad’s rule was over.
Reports emerged that Assad had fled Damascus after rebel forces entered the capital on Sunday morning local time.
“The crisis in Syria can only be resolved through an inclusive, democratic and peaceful transition process that prioritizes the interests and safety of the Syrian people while maintaining Syria’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity,” said the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement on social media Sunday.
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also expressed its concern, urging all parties in Syria to prioritize the safety of civilians. The Ministry confirmed that the Indonesian Embassy in Damascus has taken necessary steps to ensure the safety of Indonesian citizens in Syria and is prepared for possible evacuation to a safer location should the security situation worsen.
Assad has led Syria since 2000, rising to power after the death of his father, Hafez al-Assad, who had been President since 1971.
Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali stated he has no intention of fleeing like Assad. His focus, he said, is to ensure the functionality of public institutions in Syria and a peaceful transfer of power.
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) leader Al-Julani issued a statement prohibiting opposition forces in Damascus from seizing public institutions. He clarified that all government institutions remain under the supervision of the Syrian Prime Minister until the official transfer of power. Al-Julani also banned any celebratory gunfire.
“It remains under the supervision of the former Prime Minister until it is officially handed over. Celebratory shooting is also prohibited,” Al-Julani said.
How might the diverse ideologies and goals of the various rebel groups impact their ability to establish a stable and unified government in Syria?
## Syria’s Crisis: A New Era?
**Host:** Welcome back to the program. We’re continuing our coverage of the rapidly developing situation in Syria. Joining us now is Dr. Amelia Khalil, a Middle East expert from the International Crisis Group. Dr. Khalil, thanks for being with us.
**Dr. Khalil:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** The news coming out of Syria is dramatic. Rebel groups have declared a new era, and there are reports that President Assad has fled the country. Can you help us understand what’s happening on the ground?
**Dr. Khalil:** It’s a truly volatile situation. While we can confirm that rebel groups have made significant advances and declared a new era, verifying reports about President Assad’s whereabouts is difficult. There’s a lot of conflicting information circulating at the moment.
**Host:** What does this “new era” mean for Syria?
**Dr. Khalil:** It’s still too early to say definitively. Rebel groups are diverse, with varying ideologies and goals. Their ability to establish a stable government and unite the country remains to be seen. It’s crucial to remember that the Syrian civil war is complex, with many international players involved.
**Host:** According to reports, Russia and the United States have been accused of hindering refugee evacuations in Southern Syria as recently as 2019. [[1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syrian_civil_war)], How might international involvement complicate the situation further?
**Dr. Khalil:** International involvement has been a defining characteristic of the Syrian conflict. The role of countries like Russia, the United States, Iran, and Turkey will undoubtedly continue to shape the trajectory of events. Their geopolitical interests often clash, making a peaceful resolution even more challenging.
**Host:** What’s your biggest concern right now regarding the future of Syria?
**Dr. Khalil:** My biggest concern is the humanitarian crisis. Millions of Syrians have been displaced, and the ongoing violence hampers aid efforts. A lasting peace agreement that prioritizes the needs of the Syrian people is crucial.
**Host:** Dr. Khalil, thank you for sharing your valuable insights. We’ll continue to follow developments in Syria closely.
