The situation in Syria continues to deteriorate. While dictator Bashar Assad remains in the country, his wife and children have been evacuated to Russia, and relatives to the United Arab Emirates. These events fuel new discussions about the future of the Syrian regime and a possible change in power.
Why did the Assad family leave the country?
The evacuation of the Assad family to Russia suggests that the dictator himself is preparing for the worst-case scenario. This event coincided with the increased activity of the Syrian opposition, which is approaching the capital city of Damascus. On the other hand, Arab countries, including Qatar, UAE, and Egypt, express concern about the destabilization of the region in case of Assad’s regime collapse.
According to reports, officials from Egypt and Jordan have proposed to Assad to voluntarily leave Syria and transfer power to a temporary council that would include opposition representatives. However, there has been no official response to this proposal yet.
Military actions in Syria: what is happening on the battlefield?
The Syrian opposition has made significant progress on the frontlines. Groups controlled by the organization HTS have taken strategically important positions around the city of Homs. Rebels have also taken control of the city of Deraa without resistance, reaching an agreement with the military for their safe passage to Damascus.
Meanwhile, the USA has sent back their strategic bombers B-52H Stratofortress to the region to carry out operations under the “Enduring Resolve” mission aimed at combating ISIS. This signals that Washington continues to closely monitor events in Syria.
Russia’s stance: will the Kremlin help Assad?
Russia, which previously actively supported the Syrian regime, is now demonstrating caution. According to Sky News Arabia, the Kremlin has informed Assad that its intervention in case of escalation will be minimal as Russia has “other priorities.” This may indicate a decrease in Russian interest in supporting the Syrian regime.
Is a peaceful transition of power possible?
Against the backdrop of general instability in Syria, there is increasing pressure from the international community. Arab countries are calling for the establishment of a temporary government, while the U.S. and its allies are actively discussing possible sanctions and military operations. The situation requires immediate diplomatic decisions, as further escalation will only exacerbate the humanitarian crisis.
Agony?
The future of Syria remains uncertain. Bashar Assad is trying to hold onto power, but his position has been significantly weakened. While the opposition is nearing Damascus, international players increasingly hint at the need for change. Whether Syria will become an example of a successful peaceful transition or plunge into a new wave of chaos will only be shown with time.
