Syrians rally with an independence-era flag, a symbol of resistance since the 2011 uprising. AFP
Syrians rally with an independence-era flag, a symbol of resistance since the 2011 uprising. AFP

2024 - The fall of Bashar Assad

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Updated 19 April 2025
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2024 - The fall of Bashar Assad

2024 - The fall of Bashar Assad
  • With his allies in disarray, The Syrian president fled the country as opposition forces took Damascus, leaving the future of Syria uncertain

DUBAI: After almost 14 years of civil war, the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people and the displacement of millions, the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad collapsed more suddenly and dramatically than anyone thought possible.

In the early hours of Dec. 8, 2024, as rebel forces bore down on the capital, Assad boarded a Russian military aircraft and flew to Hmeimim airbase, near Latakia. From there, he and his sons, Hafez and Karim, flew to Moscow where his wife, Asma, and their daughter, Zein, had already taken refuge.

It marked the end of more than 50 years of a dynastic rule that began with his father, Hafez, who seized power in a bloodless military coup d’etat in 1970 and, upon his death in 2000, was succeeded by his son.

The following day, state media in Russia, the country that had been Assad’s greatest ally throughout the civil war, confirmed that he had been granted asylum.

How we wrote it




With a special all-black edition, Arab News devoted its entire front page to the “historic day” that ended 53 years of Assad rule.

A coalition of opposition forces, led by the group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, had launched an operation, codename “Deterrence of Aggression,” in Idlib, northwestern Syria, just 12 days earlier. It was the single-largest rebel offensive since 2020, and unlike previous efforts, this time the opposition fighters had geopolitical events on their side, as a result of which Assad found his forces collapsing around him.

With Russia still entangled in Ukraine and Iran preoccupied with Israeli attacks on its proxies in Yemen and Lebanon, morale among Syrian regime forces quickly crumbled when they realized that no one would be coming to their aid this time.

In the face of the lightning advance of Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham and its allies, Iranian troops melted away into Iraq, and Russian units fell back to the ports of Latakia and Tartous.

In neighboring Lebanon, Assad’s long-time ally, Hezbollah, had suffered major blows in its war against Israel and was in no position to help defend him.

In hindsight, it became apparent that the assassination three months earlier of Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, had been a pivotal moment in the unravelling of Assad’s network of support.

Ever since 2013, when he had announced Hezbollah was fighting in Syria, Nasrallah had been the driving force behind Hezbollah’s defense of the Syrian regime.

In a speech in May 2013 to mark the anniversary of Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon in 2000, Nasrallah said “If Syria falls in the hands of America, Israel and the takfiris, the people of our region will go into a dark period.

“If Syria falls,” he added, “Palestine will be lost.”

On Sept. 27, 2024, Nasrallah was among dozens killed when Israeli aircraft struck Hezbollah’s headquarters in southern Beirut.

With its hands already full dealing with Israel’s incursions into Lebanon, with Nasrallah’s death Hezbollah was effectively removed from the Syrian equation.

Key Dates

  • 1

    International Committee of the Red Cross confirms the Arab Spring uprising against Syrian President Bashar Assad, which began in March the previous year, has escalated into civil war.

    Timeline Image July 15, 2012

  • 2

    Iran sends Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps troops into Syria in support of Assad regime.

    Timeline Image June 9, 2013

  • 3

    Russia launches military intervention in Syria to protect Assad regime.

  • 4

    Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh assassinated in Iran.

  • 5

    Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah assassinated in Beirut.

  • 6

    After 14 years of conflict, a coalition of opposition forces led by the group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham launches a surprise attack, codename Operation Deterrence of Aggression.

    Timeline Image Nov. 27, 2024

  • 7

    Northern city of Aleppo falls to the opposition after brief battle.

  • 8

    The opposition captures Hama and Homs in swift succession.

    Timeline Image Dec. 5-8, 2024

  • 9

    Damascus falls and Assad flees the country.

    Timeline Image Dec. 8, 2024

Assad was therefore left alone to face the reality of a staunch opposition bolstered by the cumulative effects of his ruthless regime on ordinary Syrians. The combined impacts of economic collapse, territorial fragmentation, decimated infrastructure, and widespread poverty affecting more than 90 percent of the population had turned even once-loyal soldiers into disillusioned cynics who, when the crunch came, chose to drop their weapons rather than fight for the president against opposition forces.

The overthrow of the Assad regime, together with the decapitation of the leaderships of Hezbollah and Hamas, have contributed to the impression that the so-called “Axis of Resistance,” an informal alliance between Iran, Iraq, Syria and militant groups in the region, has been weakened to the point where it cannot recover.

For the Syrian people, the fall of Assad marked the return of hope. The world watched as Syrians took to the streets in celebration and thousands of political prisoners were released from the regime’s notorious regime prisons.

As foreign governments and media wondered what to expect from Ahmad Al-Sharaa, the former Al-Qaeda fighter who led Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham and its allies to their remarkable victory, many exiled Syrians began planning their return home, more than a decade after the start of a civil war that created the largest refugee crisis since the Second World War.

According to UNHCR, the UN’s refugee agency, more than 6.3 million Syrians are scattered across the world. Large numbers of them are languishing in makeshift shelters in refugee camps along Syria’s borders.

After the fall of Assad, events moved fast. Al-Sharaa, who was at pains to make clear that the success of his forces was a victory for all Syrians, announced the creation of an inclusive transitional government.




Jubilant Syrians mark the ousting of President Bashar Assad in Damascus’ Umayyad Square. AFP 

He has held a series of meetings with representatives of foreign governments, including Russia. On Feb. 12, President Vladimir Putin and Al-Sharaa spoke in person for the first time. The Kremlin later said “the Russian side emphasized its principled position in support of the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Syrian state.”

Al-Sharaa also had a meeting with a US delegation that traveled to Syria in December, which the Americans described as “productive.” Washington subsequently rescinded a $10 million reward it offered seven years ago for his capture.

Also among the more significant foreign visitors Al-Sharaa received during a busy few weeks was the Saudi foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan. Riyadh, the prince said, was working to help the new authorities in Syria free themselves from previously imposed international sanctions.

On Jan. 30, the day after Al-Sharaa was named interim president of Syria by the transitional government, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman congratulated him on his appointment.

Assad left Syria in ruins. The interim government and its new president are at the start of a complex process to reintroduce stability and quell unrest, while addressing the pressing challenges Syria faces, including national reconciliation, economic recovery, and the restoration of the country’s relationships with the international community.

On Jan. 31, during his first speech as president, Al-Sharaa addressed the “defiant” Syrian men and women who helped liberate the country, and the “oppressed,” as he vowed to “pursue the criminals who shed Syrian blood and committed massacres and crimes.”

While the actions of the interim government seem promising so far, the Syrian people are moving forward into a new era with an optimism that remains tempered by caution.

  • Nadia Al Faour is a regional correspondent for Arab News. She previously contributed to international publications such as The Guardian and USA Today.


Grand Mosque Library launches new Hajj initiatives

Grand Mosque Library launches new Hajj initiatives
The library houses a vast collection of religious texts, rare manuscripts, and resources in multiple languages across various fi
Updated 5 min 12 sec ago
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Grand Mosque Library launches new Hajj initiatives

Grand Mosque Library launches new Hajj initiatives

MAKKAH: The Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has launched initiatives to enhance the pilgrim experience during Hajj at the Grand Mosque Library, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday. 

The library, one of the most significant in the Islamic world, houses a vast collection of religious texts, rare manuscripts, and resources in multiple languages across various fields of knowledge. 

Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, head of the presidency, highlighted that the library was a cultural and educational platform for spreading religious knowledge, promoting Islamic culture, and fostering moderate thought globally. 

It remains a valuable resource for both students of knowledge and visitors to the two holy mosques, Al-Sudais said.

“The presidency is committed to advancing the library’s scientific and intellectual mission during Hajj and sharing it worldwide,” he added. 

The presidency has begun expanding the library’s role in scientific, intellectual and cultural areas during Hajj, with specialized programs and initiatives designed to serve visitors and researchers.


Disneyland to open in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi 

Disneyland to open in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi 
Updated 4 min 13 sec ago
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Disneyland to open in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi 

Disneyland to open in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi 

DUBAI: The UAE is set to host the Middle East’s first Disney theme park, with Disneyland Abu Dhabi confirmed for Yas Island.

An official opening date has yet to be revealed.

The project is a collaboration between Miral, an Abu Dhabi-based entertainment developer, and The Walt Disney Company.

(Supplied)

Once completed, it will be Disney’s seventh global destination, adding to its parks in California, Florida, Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, and Shanghai.

The new resort will be developed and constructed by Miral, while Disney will handle creative design, attraction development and overall experience planning

Bob Iger, chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company, said in a statement: “This is an extraordinary opportunity for Disney to bring its renowned storytelling to yet another region of the world with a completely new theme park experience that will be a cultural, entertainment and technological marvel.” 

Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, said: “The concept for this resort will push the boundaries of theme park design, showcasing groundbreaking technology and visionary architecture, including a modern castle unlike anything we’ve ever created.”


Hamas says commander killed in Israel Lebanon strike

Hamas says commander killed in Israel Lebanon strike
Updated 4 min 22 sec ago
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Hamas says commander killed in Israel Lebanon strike

Hamas says commander killed in Israel Lebanon strike
  • The dawn strike killed one person
  • The Israeli military confirmed that it killed Ahmed, adding that he was “the head of operations in Hamas’s Western Brigade in Lebanon“

SIDON, Lebanon: Hamas said one of its commanders was killed in an Israeli strike on the south Lebanon city of Sidon on Wednesday, the latest attack despite a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency said the dawn strike killed one person.
Hamas named him as Khaled Ahmed Al-Ahmed and said he was on his way to pray.
“As we mourn our heroic martyr, we pledge to God Almighty, and then to our people and our nation, to continue on the path of resistance,” the Palestinian militant group said in a statement.
The Israeli military confirmed that it killed Ahmed, adding that he was “the head of operations in Hamas’s Western Brigade in Lebanon.”
It alleged he had been engaged in weapons smuggling and advancing “numerous” attacks against Israel.
Israel has continued to launch regular strikes in Lebanon despite the November 27 truce which sought to halt more than a year of hostilities with Hezbollah including two months of full-blown war.
Under the deal, Hezbollah was to pull back its fighters north of Lebanon’s Litani River, some 30 kilometers (20 miles) from the Israeli border, and dismantle any remaining military infrastructure to its south.
Israel was to withdraw all its forces from Lebanon, but it has kept troops in five positions that it deems “strategic.”
A Lebanese security source told AFP that Hezbollah had withdrawn fighters from south of the Litani and dismantled most of its military infrastructure in the area.
Lebanon says it has respected its commitments and has called on the international community to pressure Israel to end its attacks and withdraw from the five border positions.
Last week, Lebanon’s top security body the Higher Defense Council warned Hamas against using the country for attacks on Israel.
The group has since handed over several Palestinians accused of firing rockets from Lebanon into Israel in March.


New land restoration guide to unify afforestation efforts

New land restoration guide to unify afforestation efforts
Updated 8 min 26 sec ago
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New land restoration guide to unify afforestation efforts

New land restoration guide to unify afforestation efforts
  • National Center for Vegetation Cover publishes official Land Restoration Guide for Non-Agricultural Areas
  • It supports goal of planting 10 billion trees, the equivalent of rehabilitating 40m hectares of degraded land

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has taken another step toward its ambitious afforestation goals with the publication of the official Land Restoration Guide for Non-Agricultural Areas.

The guide is a comprehensive manual that will serve as a unified reference to direct environmental restoration projects across the Kingdom.

It aims to ensure sustainable land management practices and support the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative, one of which is to plant 10 billion trees — the equivalent of rehabilitating 40 million hectares of degraded land.

The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification announced its publication on Wednesday with an event titled “The Road to Restoring 40 Million Hectares.”

Organized under the national afforestation program, the event brought together a range of experts to align on best practices and scientific approaches to land rehabilitation.

Sameer Maleakah, director of the center’s afforestation department, highlighted the Kingdom’s ambitious environmental restoration goals.

“So far, we’ve restored over 313,000 hectares across various regions of the Kingdom,” Maleakah told Arab News. “But it’s not just about planting. Restoration begins with protecting the degraded areas — those affected by overgrazing, illegal logging, or desertification caused by human activities.

“We return these areas to their natural state, and once restored, they foster biodiversity, richer vegetation and denser tree cover. These sites then serve as natural parks or forests — whether mountainous or valley-based,” he added.

Maleakah also highlighted the importance of inclusive action. “It’s crucial to involve local communities, civil society organizations and take full advantage of existing legislation, rainfall and cloud-seeding technologies to ensure success.”

The center’s CEO, Dr. Khalid Al-Abdulkader, echoed the importance of the program in his opening remarks, saying that land restoration is not only vital for environmental sustainability, but also plays a major role in food security, combating climate change and supporting rural livelihoods.

With more than 141 million trees planted to date and restoration efforts underway using rainfall and treated water, the center continues to position the afforestation program as a long-term investment in Saudi Arabia’s ecological and developmental future.


Saudi Museums Commission, German Heritage Foundation launch program to deepen collaboration

Saudi Museums Commission, German Heritage Foundation launch program to deepen collaboration
Saudi Arabia's culture. (File/AFP)
Updated 19 min 41 sec ago
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Saudi Museums Commission, German Heritage Foundation launch program to deepen collaboration

Saudi Museums Commission, German Heritage Foundation launch program to deepen collaboration

RIYADH: The Saudi Museums Commission, one of 11 sector-specific commissions under the Ministry of Culture, and the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation of Germany have taken a step forward in their cultural partnership by activating an executive program focused on long-term collaboration in the museum sector.

Central to this initiative is the development of a loan index, outlining a selection of artworks and artefacts from the foundation’s various Berlin-based museums to be shared with the Museums Commission over a five-year period.

This loan program forms part of the broader executive program signed by both parties.

The agreement outlines key areas of cooperation, including joint exhibitions in art and archaeology, long-term loans, strategic cultural projects, and capacity-building through training and residencies.

Two dedicated training programs have been agreed upon as part of this collaboration, said the Ministry of Culture in a press release.

One of the flagship initiatives, Museums in Motion, will bring together up to 80 cultural and museum professionals from both countries over five years through four interdisciplinary training sessions. 

Participants will engage in joint learning activities in both countries, fostering sustained dialogue, professional exchange, deeper cross-cultural understanding, and long-term institutional partnerships.

In a parallel initiative with the Hamburger Bahnhof — Nationalgalerie der Gegenwart (National Gallery of Contemporary Art) in Berlin, a professional program will support talent development in the museum field. 

Over the next five years, experts from Hamburger Bahnhof will contribute to training and mentorship, fostering the exchange of knowledge and best practices in museum management and curation.

This executive program reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening international cultural dialogue and advancing professional exchange in the global museum community.