By Uzma Ehtasham
The sudden collapse of the Assad regime, an autocracy that held Syria in its grip for 54 years, marks a moment of profound reckoning for the Middle East. This seismic shift, which unfolded with the capture of Damascus by rebel forces on December 8, reverberates across the region, challenging existing power dynamics and reshaping alliances. For Russia, Assad’s fall signifies a dramatic erosion of its influence in the region, while for the United States and its Western allies, it heralds an opportunity to reaffirm their dominance. For Israel and its supporters, the development has been greeted with jubilation, as it aligns with their strategic objectives and further solidifies their position in a turbulent region.
The revolution, spearheaded by the militant rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, was swift and uncompromising. The group’s leader, Abu Mohammad al-Jolani—once affiliated with al-Qaeda—seized control of Damascus after weeks of intense fighting that began in late October. In the chaos of Assad’s flight to Russia, where he sought political asylum, the remnants of the Syrian government crumbled. Damascus became a city in flux, its streets filled with a volatile mix of jubilant rebels, fleeing soldiers, and a civilian population caught between hope and uncertainty. The international response has been equally dramatic. Israel wasted no time in capitalizing on the upheaval, launching airstrikes to obliterate weapon stockpiles in Damascus and consolidating its control over the Golan Heights. The United States, in parallel, executed 57 airstrikes across central Syria, decimating the remaining defences of the Assad regime. These actions underscore the strategic calculus of Western powers, intent on shaping the post-Assad order to serve their geopolitical interests.
Within Syria, al-Jolani has begun assembling a transitional government with the ambitious aim of stabilizing the country over an 18-month period before establishing a permanent administration. In a gesture that combines pragmatism with a nod to continuity, Assad’s former prime minister has been retained to oversee this interim arrangement. Yet, the situation on the ground remains precarious. Reports of looting in presidential palaces and government buildings reflect the chaos accompanying the regime’s downfall. Al-Jolani’s directive to his fighters to avoid occupying state institutions speaks to his awareness of the challenges in projecting authority amidst such turmoil. The regional implications are profound. Iran, long a staunch ally of Assad, finds its influence in Syria rapidly diminishing. Hezbollah, a key player in the conflict, has withdrawn thousands of fighters, and the Iranian embassy in Damascus has become a flashpoint of anger.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has pointedly attributed Assad’s collapse to his “own misjudgments,” a statement laden with regional rivalry and opportunism. Russia, reeling from this unexpected loss, has called for an urgent United Nations Security Council meeting, reflecting its waning ability to steer outcomes in the Middle East. For Pakistan, the Syrian crisis is more than a distant geopolitical drama; it is a cautionary tale with stark relevance. As a nation often in the crosshairs of global power struggles, Pakistan must heed the lessons of Syria’s collapse. The interplay of internal divisions and external exploitation, which unraveled Syria, serves as a warning against complacency. Unity between the military and the populace is not just desirable but essential to maintaining sovereignty and resilience in the face of external pressures.
The downfall of Assad’s regime also casts a harsh light on the broader dynamics of global power. Syria’s fate mirrors the trajectory of other nations in the Muslim world—countries like Iraq, Libya, and Palestine—that have borne the brunt of external interference under the guise of promoting stability or democracy. The pattern is unmistakable, and the implications for Pakistan are clear: only through strategic foresight and robust internal cohesion can it navigate the complex web of global politics without falling prey to similar forces. The Syrian crisis is more than a regional upheaval; it is a moment of truth for nations grappling with the competing demands of sovereignty and global integration. It serves as a vivid reminder of the fragility of regimes that lose touch with their people and fail to anticipate the tides of change. For Pakistan and others watching closely, the imperative is to learn, adapt, and fortify themselves against the currents that have so tragically swept Syria into chaos.
(The writer is a public health professional and possesses expertise in health communication, having keen interest in national and international affairs, can be reached at uzma@metro-morning.com)
