Understanding Syria crisis in 8 points: Bashar al-Assad in Russia?

Things are starting to ease a little bit in the Middle East as the years-long Syrian crisis appears to be easing. Global leaders are reacting to the situation and netizens are curious too. Here are eight points to better understand the instability.

1. The Syrian crisis started in 2011 as an offshoot of the Arab Spring that noted different regimes in the region being toppled. Bashar al-Assad’s regime initially looked shaky. But the tide turned as other countries came to his aid to repel the rebels.

2. Syria continued to be affected by the long internal conflict that triggered one of the largest refugee crises globally. But the country experienced a period of more calmness in the last handful of years as the army and its allies managed to handle the rebels.

3. The latest crisis erupted as the rebels broke through and captured numerous cities in just days. They started their march to the capital Damascus. On Sunday morning, the rebels took control of the Saydnaya prison and released political prisoners.

4. The fighters then entered the city and took control of it in just hours, toppling the regime that has been ruling Syria for the last 50 years. Before Bashar al-Assad took over 24 years ago, his father Hafez al-Assad used to rule the country.

5. Reports suggest that Assad has fled the country. Prime Minister Mohammad Jalali said the government is ready to cooperate with the opposition and hand over the governance. He also asked the people to not harm the public buildings.

6. The rebel fighters declared Syria and Damascus free. The public buildings have been placed under the former PM Jalali before the official handover. Some scenes on the streets of Syria suggested celebrations.

7. US military forces have conducted a major aerial operation targeting more than 75 ISIS positions in Syria. The strikes are aimed at preventing the group from resuming external operations and exploiting the easing instability in the country.

8. US President Joe Biden has addressed the recent collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, calling it a “fundamental act of justice”. He noted the risk and uncertainty that the region faces but emphasised the “historic opportunity” for Syria’s people to rebuild.