The legacy of Bashar al-Assad's rule in Syria remains one of the most controversial in modern Middle Eastern history.
For over two decades, his presidency was marked by both internal strife and external conflict, culminating in a devastating civil war.
While Syria became a symbol of resistance for some, it also represented deep-seated challenges in governance, human rights, and stability.
The relationship between al-Assad and his long-time ally, Russia, played a pivotal role in shaping the conflict’s trajectory, according to Digi24.
Not A Russian Failure
Putin has now officially distanced himself from former Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad. This is a significant shift in their long-standing alliance.
Al-Assad, who fled to Russia in early December amid advancing rebel forces, led Syria for over two decades before being ousted.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov discussed the situation in an interview with TASS, attributing al-Assad’s downfall to governance failures.
Lavrov stated that al-Assad’s inability to address the population’s basic needs during a prolonged civil war was a key factor in his regime's collapse.
"One of the reasons for the deterioration of the situation was the inability of the former government to meet the basic needs of the population amidst a prolonged civil conflict," Lavrov remarked.
Lavrov also talked about the high expectations Syrians had after Russia’s military efforts significantly reduced terrorism in the region.
However, he claimed that these improvements were stifled by Western sanctions imposed by the United States and its allies.
Russia has been a major supporter of Syria, providing military and strategic assistance throughout the civil war.
Russian airstrikes and the presence of military bases helped al-Assad maintain control over parts of the country. Despite this, Moscow is now emphasizing a clear distinction between its interests and al-Assad's governance.
Russian President Vladimir Putin commented that the collapse of al-Assad's government is not seen as a failure for Russia's military efforts. Instead, it reflects Moscow's readiness to adapt its strategy in the region.
