DAMASCUS, NEW YORK, Dec 10 (Alliance News): The sudden overthrow of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad after 13 years of civil war has left Syria and the world in shock, with rebels now working on forming a new government and stabilizing the region.
The UN Security Council met late Monday behind closed doors to discuss the rapid developments.
Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia noted that the council was caught off guard by the speed of Assad’s ouster, emphasizing the need to observe how the situation unfolds.
Assad fled Damascus for Moscow on Sunday, ending over 50 years of rule by his family.
In the aftermath, Assad’s prime minister, Mohammed Jalali, agreed to transfer power to the rebel-led Salvation Government, which operates from northwest Syria.
Rebel commander Ahmed al-Sharaa, known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, met with Jalali and Vice President Faisal Mekdad to discuss the transition. Jalali indicated the handover could take days.
The rebel coalition, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group formerly affiliated with al-Qaeda, made significant gains that have shifted the regional balance.
The civil war that began in 2011 resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths, widespread destruction, and a massive refugee crisis.
Despite the changes, there has been no clear plan for Syria’s future, and regional uncertainty remains high. US Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood highlighted the importance of ensuring any new government respects the rights of the Syrian people.
The US is engaging with regional partners, including Turkey, to explore diplomatic options.
The economic impact was felt on Monday as oil prices rose over 1% due to potential regional instability.
Syria’s central bank announced its reopening, and employees returned to work, marking a step towards normalcy.
HTS, which has worked to present a moderate image to gain international support, has pledged to rebuild Syria and ensure accountability for war crimes.
Golani declared that senior officials involved in torture would be targeted, and rewards would be offered for information on those responsible.
However, HTS’s status as a designated terrorist organization raises questions about its ability to lead.
Syria’s UN Ambassador Koussay Aldahhak expressed optimism, stating that Syrians hoped for a future based on freedom, democracy, and the rule of law, and pledged efforts to rebuild the country.
