Syria in turmoil: Finally freed from Assad - what is coming now?

Syria in turmoil: Finally freed from Assad - what is coming now?

With the final fall of Bashar al-Assad in Syria, the country on the threshold stands for a new chapter. After 24 years of undisputed rule and 13 years of the civil war, Assad, who fled from Damascus on Sunday, received asylum in Russia. An ORF colleague, Karim El-Gawhary, commented on the Situation with the words: "You really can't take this moment to the Syrians." The streets are full of jubilant people who finally take hope of a fresh start. But despite the euphoria, the future remains uncertain, and fighting between competing groups shows that the situation remains tense, as is also the case with the tense situation after changing power

The power vacuum could lead to new conflicts, since several rebel groups, including the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have taken control of large parts of the country. HTS, which previously distanced itself from terrorist organizations such as IS and Al Qaeda, could not only take power. Your previous brutality and control over regions raise questions about whether a peaceful handover of power is possible. The departure of Assad not only marks the end of his dictatorship, but also a turning point in regional politics, since Iran, whose influence was heavily dependent on Assad's leadership, is in a difficult situation, as the Nachrichten.at explained.

The fall of Assad could also have far -reaching geopolitical consequences. Israel, as a neighboring state, sees this development a threat to Iran and for its own security interests. The collapse of Assad's rule could weaken the influence of the Hisbollah in Lebanon and lead to easier access for Israel to act against Iranian activities. Israeli analysts already speak of a "regional earthquake" that may result in further upheavals in the region.