Syria's Assad Regime Falls as Rebels Take Damascus

In a dramatic shift of power, Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali declared on Sunday that he would remain in his post and support the continuation of governance after President Bashar al-Assad fled Damascus amid a lightning offensive by rebel forces. This marks the end of Assad's 24-year rule, as confirmed by Syrian army commands notifying officers of the regime’s collapse.

The Syrian rebel coalition has seized control of the capital, and key figures, including opposition leaders and foreign diplomats, are now looking towards a transition of power. The rebels have declared the formation of a transitional government, and Prime Minister Jalali will oversee the transfer of authority until the new leadership takes over.

Syrian opposition groups have vowed to continue working towards an inclusive governance structure that represents all Syrians. Rebel leader Ahmed al-Sharaa emphasized that public institutions will remain under Jalali's supervision until an official handover occurs. Meanwhile, the Syrian opposition's main representative abroad, Hadi al-Bahra, stated that meetings with Arab and European nations, as well as the United Nations, will be scheduled to discuss Syria’s next steps.

The events leading up to Assad’s departure were swift. A Syrian Air plane was seen leaving Damascus just as reports confirmed the city had fallen. Initial flight paths suggested the aircraft was heading toward Syria’s coastal region, but it later made an abrupt turn and disappeared off the radar, fueling speculation about Assad’s whereabouts.

The UAE, which had previously attempted to help Assad detach from Iranian influence, expressed concerns about Syria’s future. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic advisor to the UAE’s president, warned that extremism and terrorism could increase in the wake of Assad's downfall. He also pointed out the missed opportunity for Assad to engage in political discussions that might have saved his regime.

Despite the political uncertainty, the UAE has also made it clear that it would like to distance itself from Assad, as many Arab nations have distanced themselves due to Syria’s ties with Iran. Gargash expressed concerns over potential chaos, stating that the future of Syria remains uncertain.

As Syria begins to grapple with its new reality, there are fears that extremism may once again take root. As rebel forces assert control, the country faces a crucial moment in its history, with questions over whether a new, inclusive government can emerge, or whether radical groups will take advantage of the instability.