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Russia reportedly grants asylum to Assad, Syrian rebel flag near consulate in St. Petersburg

On December 8, 2024, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his family arrived in Russia, where they were granted asylum by Russian authorities on humanitarian grounds. This follows the sudden overthrow of Assad's regime by Syrian rebel fighters, who entered Damascus unopposed, marking the end of nearly 60 years of rule by the Assad family. The rebel advance reversed the course of Syria's 13-year civil war, eliminating a stronghold that had allowed Iran and Russia to exert influence in the Arab world. In a symbolic gesture, a Syrian rebel flag was displayed outside the Syrian consulate in St. Petersburg, though the identity of those responsible for this act remains unknown. The fall of Assad’s government represents a significant geopolitical shift in the Middle East, as Russia’s support for Assad had played a key role in maintaining his regime. This development highlights the changing political landscape in the region.

first published: Dec 9, 2024 03:59 pm