In Bashar al-Assad's latest statement from Moscow, published on the former Syrian Presidency's social media page, Assad offers an unconventional narrative of the events leading to the fall of his regime.
اضافة اعلان
This statement carries numerous political and psychological implications that require detailed analysis to understand the context Assad finds himself in during the post-collapse phase of his rule.
Assad described himself as a “national project,” denying any pursuit of personal power or authority.
This point reflects an attempt by Assad to reshape his image in the minds of Syrians and the world, presenting himself as someone working for a “national interest” rather than seeking to consolidate his personal rule.
However, this narrative contradicts the image shaped by events, as most reports and criticisms highlight his involvement in repressive actions against the Syrian people and a regime that relied on violence and oppression to maintain its grip on power.
While Assad denies any interest in positions of power, the statement reveals details of the luxurious life he and his family led, including lavish palaces and a garage filled with luxury cars from world-renowned brands like Ferrari and Lamborghini.
His wife, Asma al-Assad, known for her refined taste in fashion, symbolized the stark gap between the ruling elite’s lifestyle and the hardships faced by the Syrian people.
This highlights the deep chasm between Assad’s official rhetoric promoting the concept of a “national project” and the extravagant lifestyle he enjoyed during his dictatorship.
The most striking aspect of Assad’s statement, in my view, is his acknowledgment of Russia’s decisive role in personally saving him from collapse.
He recounts observing military operations from the Hmeimim Air Base, only to realize, as Syrian factions approached his palace, that “forces had withdrawn from all combat lines.”
This is an implicit admission of the regime's inability to maintain control over Syrian territories.
With the attack reaching the capital, Damascus, Russian intervention became essential to ensure Assad’s continuation in power.
Moscow’s support extended beyond military aid; it directly intervened to organize Assad’s evacuation to Russia, underscoring the Kremlin’s pivotal role in sustaining his regime.
This shift from relying on local allies to complete dependence on Russian support illustrates the regime’s inability to endure without this critical international backing.
The statement also alluded to those “currently assuming responsibility” in Syria, who aim to build a “new state.”
This reflects the prevailing perception after Assad's fall that Syria will enter a transitional phase.
It might be an attempt by Assad to shift attention toward Syria’s future without his rule. Yet, the main question remains: Who will lead Syria after him? Will there be a genuine political process to build a democratic state, or will Syria continue to face division and conflict?
In the conclusion of his statement, Assad described the “fall of the state into the hands of terrorism,” affirming that the “position has become vacant and meaningless,” referencing the regime’s collapse and its inability to provide anything for the Syrian people.
This phrase could be an indirect acknowledgment of his regime's failure to achieve stability and security in Syria, while implicitly blaming militants or “terrorists” from his perspective—reiterating the narrative Assad adopted throughout the conflict.
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