End of an Era
Fall of Damascus Marks the End of Assad Regime and Baath Party Rule
The Assad regime’s 61-year rule under the Baath Party crumbled on Sunday when the Syrian capital, Damascus, slipped from their grasp.
Rise and Fall of Baath Party Rule
The Arab Socialist Baath Party first seized power in Syria through a coup in 1963. Seven years later, Hafez al-Assad, father of the recently ousted Bashar al-Assad, took control through an internal party coup and became president in 1971.
After Hafez al-Assad’s death in 2000, his son, Bashar, inherited the presidency, continuing the Baath regime’s grip on power. However, the regime’s reign ended dramatically as anti-regime forces entered Damascus, following a series of rapid developments since late November.
Civil War and the Assad Regime’s Collapse
Syria’s unrest began in 2011 with popular uprisings calling for freedom and reform. The Assad regime responded with violent crackdowns, sparking a civil war that claimed thousands of lives. While armed opposition groups continued their struggle, the regime resisted diplomatic solutions despite international and regional efforts.
Recent clashes, starting on November 27, led to significant losses for regime forces. Key regions, including Aleppo, Idlib, and Hama, fell into opposition hands before Damascus itself succumbed. As civilians took to the streets in the capital, regime forces abandoned public institutions, and anti-regime groups solidified their hold on the city center.
Statements from Key Figures
Former Regime’s Prime Minister
In a video statement, Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali, the prime minister under Bashar al-Assad’s government, expressed willingness to cooperate with a new government chosen by the Syrian people. He emphasized safeguarding public property and extended an olive branch to the opposition, highlighting the need for national unity and rebuilding.
“Syria belongs to all Syrians,” Jalali said, pledging full support for a smooth transition of power.
Opposition Leadership
Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), called for restraint and urged the public to avoid public institutions until their official handover. He emphasized maintaining order and prohibiting celebratory gunfire to ensure a peaceful transition.
Timeline of Recent Events
- Nov. 27: Clashes erupted west of Aleppo, signaling the regime’s weakening grip.
- Nov. 30: Opposition forces captured Aleppo’s city center and the Idlib province.
- Dec. 1: Anti-regime forces advanced through Homs, a strategic pathway to Damascus, and launched an operation in Daraa, reclaiming its city center.
- Dec. 2: Suwayda province and parts of Quneitra fell under opposition control, alongside key areas in Homs.
- Dec. 3: Opposition forces entered southern Damascus suburbs, prompting regime withdrawals from major institutions, including ministries and the international airport.
The decisive Operation Dawn of Freedom launched by the Syrian National Army also liberated Tel Rifaat from PKK/YPG control, further signaling the collapse of the Assad regime’s territorial hold.
The End of Assad and Baath Party Rule
With the loss of Damascus, the Assad family’s 53-year legacy and the Baath Party’s six-decade rule have officially ended. The opposition’s advances mark a turning point for Syria, as the nation faces the challenge of rebuilding after years of conflict.
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