The fall of Bashar al-Assad, who ruled Syria for more than 20 years and waged a bloody war against his own people, is rightly a cause for celebration. Also because he is a defeat for the “Axis of Evil”. But the risk of Syria plunging into chaos is great.
People cheering in the streets, statues being torn from their pedestals, horns honking – and Syrian flags everywhere. After more than 13 years of civil war, dictator Bashar al-Assad has been overthrown and 24 years of reign of terror are over.
With Assad, a man has fled the country who is accused of the worst war crimes against his own people, who had thousands thrown into prison, whose troops tortured and murdered.
The fact that his regime is now history and Syria is “liberated,” as the insurgents announced on Sunday, is a reason to rejoice. The civil war has displaced 14 million Syrians and, according to the UN, 300,000 civilians are said to have died. An endless war, it seemed – which has now taken a completely surprising turn.
A turn that significantly weakens Assad’s allies, Russia and Iran, with its proxies in the region. This defeat for key players in the anti-Western “Axis of Evil” is also a reason to be pleased.
The fact that Syrian citizens are now celebrating on German streets, looking forward to being able to see their home country and their relatives again, is also nice. We should rejoice with them. At the same time, the future of their country is completely uncertain. And it is dangerous – also for us.
The “rebels” or “insurgents” who brought down Assad’s regime are by no means all opposition members who share Western values and strive for democracy. On the contrary.
The alliance is led by Hajat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), formerly known as the Nusra Front, the Syrian branch of the terrorist organization al-Qaeda. HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani is not to be trusted. The fact that he broke away from al-Qaida years ago and is now a moderate should not deceive the West: the HTS is and remains an Islamist militia and is classified by experts as a terrorist group.
What she plans to do in Syria now is completely unclear. But past allegations, ranging from expulsion of minorities to torture, make it unlikely that Syria has a chance for peace and freedom under the HTS.
After powers like Russia and Iran, but also NATO states like Turkey and the USA, have intervened in Syria for years, it would be fatal if the West left the country alone at one of its most vulnerable moments.
Tens of thousands of Syrians scattered around the world, now feeling a moment of hope, are dependent on the West not to duck away. Also in his own interest. The risk that Syria will become a new home for Islamist terrorists is too great.
On X, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Sunday evening: “Today we stand with all Syrians who are full of hope for a free, fair and safe Syria.”
And they hope he’s serious.
Assad overthrown: Let the Syrians celebrate – and then don’t leave them alone!
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