Former Syrian President Assad granted asylum in Russia

Former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his family have arrived in Moscow.

Former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his family have arrived in Moscow. Russia has granted them asylum for humanitarian reasons. Armed Syrian opposition forces took full control of Damascus on Sunday. This marks the end of over 50 years of Assad family rule. The rapid collapse of President Assad’s government came after a fierce rebel offensive lasting less than two weeks.

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The swift change in Syria’s power balance results from several factors. Opposition groups received more foreign aid than government forces. This shifted the balance of power.

The October 2023 conflict between Israel and Palestine also played a role. Iran, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Iraqi Shiite militias struggled to focus on Syria. Hezbollah withdrew many of its fighters from Syria to defend Lebanon against Israeli attacks. This withdrawal created a vacuum on the battlefield.

Stronger and Unified Opposition

Syrian opposition forces grew stronger with Turkish support. This helped them improve their military operations. Internal divisions between opposition groups also eased. This allowed for more coordinated attacks against government forces.

Modern Tactics vs Outdated Strategies

The opposition used advanced tactics. In the battle for Aleppo, they deployed drones for reconnaissance and strikes. In contrast, government forces relied on tanks, armoured vehicles, and artillery. They struggled to counter the opposition’s fast-moving pickups and drones. Government air defences could not handle these modern tactics. As a result, their frontline defences collapsed quickly.

Economic Collapse and Low Morale

Low morale among government troops also contributed to their defeat. Syria’s economy has been in free fall. The World Bank reported a 141% drop in the Syrian pound’s value against the dollar in 2023. Inflation soared by 93%. Cuts in subsidies made daily life even harder for ordinary citizens.

Since mid-2023, inflation has worsened in government-held areas. According to the World Food Programme, the cost of basic living nearly doubled. Prices of essential goods surged. Natural gas costs increased fourfold, while gasoline prices rose by 50%. The cost of chicken went up by 29%, and fruits by 50%.

Economic Struggles

Unemployment remains high in government-controlled regions. Traders face raw material shortages and high import costs. Local markets are weak due to low spending power. Many small businesses collapsed, further weakening the economy.

This combination of economic hardship, modern warfare, and strategic withdrawals led to the government’s collapse. Syria now faces an uncertain future under the control of opposition forces.