Assad may have fled Syria, millions of refugees can return home: FM Fidan

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan Sunday said that President Bashar al-Assad may have fled Syria as the country's government collapsed, opening up the way for millions of Syrian refugees to return home.

Fidan noted that it was time to unite for Syrian opposition after their forces declared they had taken Damascus, sending Assad fleeing after five decades of the Baath Party rule.

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The "Assad regime collapsed and control of the country is changing hands," Fidan said at the Doha Forum in Qatar, adding that "this didn't happen overnight. For the last 13 years, the country has been in turmoil," since the civil war began with Assad's repression of democracy protests in 2011.

Fidan urged international and regional actors to ensure a "smooth transition" in Syria and emphasized that Türkiye was acting carefully to ensure that terrorist organizations like Daesh or PKK/YPG do not abuse post-regime Syria.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (C) attend the Astana format meeting at the 22nd Doha Forum together with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Doha, Qatar on Dec. 7, 2024. (AA Photo)Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan attends the 31st Ministerial Council meeting of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), held under Malta's presidency at the exhibition center in Ta'Qali near Valletta, Malta on December 5, 2024. (AA Photo)

What he said

• “This morning, Syria wakes as a free nation filled with hope. This wouldn’t have been possible without international support, and Syrians still need that assistance.”
• “Türkiye will stand by Syria to protect its sovereignty and ensure stability in the region.”

This aerial picture shows a bullet-riddled portrait of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad adorning Hama's municipality building after it was defaced following the capture of the city by anti government fighters, on December 6, 2024. - AFP Photo)This picture shows a bullet-riddled portrait of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad at the Kweyris military airfield in the eastern part of Aleppo province on December 3, 2024. - A war monitor on December 1 said Ankara-backed groups seized control of the towns of Safireh and Khanasser southeast of Aleppo from government forces, and also took the Kweyris military airport. (AFP Photo)

Why it matters

• The collapse of the Assad regime marks the end of decades of autocratic rule. With Türkiye hosting millions of Syrian refugees, the development could pave the way for their return and regional stabilization.

Key context

• Türkiye has been a critical player in the Syrian conflict, supporting opposition groups and calling for a political resolution.
• Fidan urged international actors to avoid vengeance and focus on rebuilding Syria under a unifying government.

Big picture

• The transition period is fraught with challenges, including the threat of terrorist groups like Daesh and the PKK exploiting instability.
• Fidan emphasized that Türkiye remains committed to combating terrorism and ensuring regional security.

What’s next

• Türkiye plans to work with regional and international partners, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United States, to support Syria’s reconstruction.
• Talks are underway to ensure a safe and dignified return for Syrian refugees.

December 08, 2024 02:18 PM GMT+03:00