World Leaders Celebrate Assad’s Exit From Power In Syria

World leaders have described the exit of President Bashar al-Assad as a win for peace and democracy in the Middle East.

Naija News reports that the 24-year regime of Assad, described as autocratic and authoritarian by commentators, was ousted on Sunday by rebel Islamic groups led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).

Bashar al-Assad became the President of Syria in July 2000. As president, Assad was the commander-in-chief of the Syrian Armed Forces.

The United States President, Joe Biden, in a series of tweets on Sunday, described Assad’s ousting as an opportunity in generations for Syrians to forge their own future.

“This is the best opportunity in generations for Syrians to forge their own future – free of opposition.

“It’s also an opportunity for a more secure and prosperous Middle East – where our friends are safe and our enemies are contained. New opportunities are now opening up for the people of Syria and for the entire region,” Biden said.

President Biden highlighted the next actions his country will take in the Middle East nation.

He continued, “Looking ahead, the United States will do the following. First, we will engage with Syrian groups – including within the process led by the United Nations – to establish the transition away from the Assad Regime toward an independent, sovereign Syria.

“Second, we will help ensure stability in eastern Syria, protecting our personnel against any threats. We will maintain our mission against ISIS.

“Third, we’ll support Syria’s neighbors – including Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Israel – should any threat arise from Syria during this period of transition.

“Finally, we will remain vigilant.”

On his part, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, described Assad’s ousting as an end to a brutal regime.

Starmer noted that to restore democracy in the country, a political solution must be adopted.

“I welcome Assad’s departure and the end of his brutal regime. We need a political solution. We are speaking with regional allies and monitoring the situation.

“We call on all sides to deliver peace and stability, the protection of civilians and minorities, and delivery of aid,” Starmer said.

The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, in a statement, commended the people of Syria for their courage.

He assured his country’s commitment to peace in the Middle East.

“The barbaric state has fallen. At last. I pay tribute to the Syrian people, to their courage, to their patience. In this moment of uncertainty, I send them my wishes for peace, freedom, and unity.

“France will remain committed to the security of all in the Middle East,” Macron stated.

Canada Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, said a new chapter has come for the Syrian people. He urged order and respect for human rights in the transition process.

“The fall of Assad’s dictatorship ends decades of brutal oppression. A new chapter for Syria can begin here — one free of terrorism and suffering for the Syrian people.

“Canada is monitoring this transition closely. We urge order, stability, and respect for human rights,” Trudeau said.

The Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, in his statement, described Sunday as a historic day in the Middle East.

Netanyahu, however, noted that there is danger in the ousting of Assad.

“This is a historic day for the Middle East. The collapse of the Assad regime, the tyranny in Damascus, offers great opportunity but also is fraught with significant dangers.

“We send a hand of peace to all those beyond our border in Syria: to the Druze, to the Kurds, to the Christians, and to the Muslims who want to live in peace with Israel,” Netanyahu stated.