The End of Assad's 20 Years Rule in Syria

Sundays, for many of us, are a time for both spiritual renewal and catching up on the pressing issues that shape our world. 

If you recall, some 13 years ago, it does look like it was a very long time ago and it's despite how it also feels like yesterday, that we saw numerous headlines and on TV across America "Assad must go! Assad must go". Finally today, it's clear he is gone from his nation's political stage. 

Today’s headlines bring seismic news from the Middle East: Bashar al-Assad’s government in Syria has been overthrown, and the embattled leader has fled the country. This monumental development has been confirmed by multiple international media outlets, signaling the culmination of years of conflict and political turmoil. In all, Bashar al-Assad ruled Syria for 24 years. It is obvious that he likely was not playing fair.

His departure will certainly usher in a new era for Syria's political future. 

The fall of Assad is a watershed moment in global geopolitics. For those of us who remember the early days of the Arab Spring in 2011, the news feels both momentous and overdue. At the time, then-U.S. President Barack Obama, along with other world leaders voiced a clear and resonant demand: “Assad must go”, as stated earlier. That declaration became a rallying cry for the international community as Syrians took to the streets to demand democratic reforms and an end to decades of authoritarian rule under the Assad family.

However, the road from those initial protests to today’s headlines has been anything but straightforward. Over the past 13 years since the campaign to oust him, Assad’s regime weathered multiple crises: from international sanctions to military interventions, with unwavering support from allies like Russia and Iran. The Syrian Civil War, which erupted in 2011, became one of the most devastating conflicts of the 21st century, resulting in hundreds of thousands of deaths and displacing millions of Syrians. Does “the Syrians refugees” sound familiar?

The international community’s engagement in Syria’s crisis has been marked by contradictions. While Western powers like the United States condemned Assad’s brutal suppression of dissent, efforts to unseat him were hampered by geopolitical complexities. Russia’s military intervention in 2015 tipped the scales in Assad’s favor, ensuring his survival for years longer than many had anticipated. Meanwhile, the United Nations struggled to find consensus, often paralyzed by the competing interests of global powers. Russia was definitely a key factor why that government survived the “Assad Must Go" campaign.

Assad’s downfall today raises questions about what finally led to his regime’s collapse. Was it internal dissent within his government, a loss of support from key allies, or a decisive push by opposition forces? These details will likely emerge in the coming days, but the symbolic weight of this moment cannot be overstated.

As we reflect on this development, it is worth considering the broader implications for the region and the world. History has shown that the removal of an authoritarian leader does not necessarily guarantee a smooth transition to democracy. The post-Assad era in Syria will undoubtedly bring new challenges, including the rebuilding of a nation scarred by war and the forging of a political system that reflects the will of its people. There has never been a time I can remember that Syria was never at war. 

For the global community, this is a moment to reevaluate its approach to conflict resolution and nation-building. The Syrian people’s resilience in the face of unimaginable suffering should inspire renewed efforts to support their aspirations for peace, justice, and stability.

So, this Sunday, as we observe from our various countries and reflect on the state of the world, the news of Assad’s overthrow serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring struggle for freedom and dignity. It also calls us to remain vigilant and engaged, recognizing that the story of Syria like so many others around the world, is far from over.

We must also always pray for the innocent victims on both sides and be grateful to God that we live in our home countries where there are no such political tensions seeking to destroy us.

For doctor Assad, yes he was a trained eye doctor (ophthalmologists), there are three countries that he could seek refuge: UAE, Iran and Russia. This assessment is because he doesn't really have any allies, at least publicly in the West.

I remain your observing pal,

Ronnie Law