The major US newspaper front pages are dominated by the fall of the Syrian president after rebels ousted him from his role. It marks the end of a half-century dynasty known for brutal rule.
The Assad family dictatorship that ruled Syria for more than 50 years collapsed on Sunday, with rebel forces claiming control of Damascus and President Bashar al-Assad leaving the country. The events set off celebrations among the long-repressed population but also sparked worries about what comes next.
Bashar al-Assad has fled to Moscow where he and his family have been granted asylum.
What do the USA newspapers say about the latest in Syria?
Los Angeles Times says within just a few weeks the rebels achieved what the UN, US and other Western Powers long tried but failed to do.
The Wall Street Journal says the rebels waited years to strike, ‘but their opening came swiftly.’ The paper notes Syrians took to the streets in jubilant celebrations.
USA Today says Assad flees Syria for Russia and notes the USA has struck ISIS targets.
The Washington Post declares a ‘new era’ following the fall of the Assad regime whilst acknowledging the US President has launched strikes against ISIS and working with its partners to address concerns that extremist groups could try to capitalise on the power vacuum left by Assad’s departure.
The New York Times leads with an image of a Syrian family near a border crossing with their home country on Sunday in Lebanon. Millions of Syrians are refugees who are hoping the end of the regime means they’ll be able to return home.
What is happening in Syria today? – ‘Scenes of jubilation’
No killing, no airstrikes, no starvation, no injuries, no sieges, no loss of our loved ones or ourselves. The killer is gone.
— Hussam Hammoud | حسام (@HussamHamoud) December 8, 2024
It’s hysterical. For hours with no sleep, I am still unable to process this, unable to grasp that Syria is free. Our country is ours again.#FreeSyria pic.twitter.com/mP2NBZ4lE1
Damascus has been seized by rebels.
— Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) December 8, 2024
They are calling for “free and fair elections”.
Murderous dictator, Bashar al-Assad has allegedly fled Syria.
Putin is pissed.
MAGA also seems pissed. Why? pic.twitter.com/KhCujPLUuz