Assad flees Syria as regime collapses
Trump highlights Russia’s diminished influence
Urges ceasefire and negotiations in Ukraine
WASHINGTON (The Thursday Times) — Former US President Donald Trump took to his Truth Social platform to comment on the seismic political shift in Syria, confirming the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime and highlighting the broader geopolitical consequences for Russia and Iran.
Assad’s departure signals an era’s end
The departure of Bashar al-Assad marks the definitive collapse of his decades-long authoritarian rule in Syria. His flight from the country, following the rebel takeover of Damascus, signals not only the end of Assad’s grip on power but also a significant transformation in Middle Eastern geopolitics. The fall of the Assad regime, once propped up by Russia and Iran, leaves a vacuum in a nation that has seen over a decade of conflict.
Russia’s strategic setbacks
Trump emphasised the declining influence of Russia in Syria, attributing it to Moscow’s preoccupation with the ongoing war in Ukraine. He pointed to significant losses—both in manpower and morale—suffered by Russian forces in Ukraine, which have drained Moscow’s ability to sustain its foothold in the Middle East. This shift underlines the limits of Russia’s strategic ambitions amidst its deteriorating economic conditions.
Iran’s weakened position
Iran, another critical ally of the Assad regime, has also faced setbacks. Its struggles against regional adversaries, particularly Israel, have further undermined its ability to project power in Syria. Trump’s statement noted that Iran’s diminished economic and military strength has reduced its regional leverage, leaving Assad without critical backing.
The broader implications of Syria’s collapse
The fall of Damascus carries implications far beyond its borders. For the United States, it represents an opportunity to reassess its strategy in the Middle East, particularly in countering Russian and Iranian influence. Meanwhile, Trump’s call for negotiations in Ukraine suggests a broader desire to recalibrate international relations, urging a resolution to one conflict while the aftershocks of another reverberate across the region.
A call for diplomacy
Trump urged immediate ceasefires and negotiations in Ukraine, tying the weakened states of Russia and Iran to broader global instability. His remarks underscore the interconnectedness of global conflicts, framing Syria’s collapse as both a localised event and a reflection of larger geopolitical shifts. The message was clear: international players must seize this moment to engage in diplomacy and avoid further escalation.