The Downfall of Bashar al-Assad: A Narrative of Denial and Displacement
Bashar al-Assad, the former Syrian president whose reign was marked by a brutal civil war and widespread human rights abuses, has presented a self-serving narrative of his final days in power. In a statement released on Telegram, Assad portrayed himself as a steadfast custodian of Syria, valiantly resisting a "terrorist onslaught" until forced to flee to Russia. This narrative, however, starkly contrasts with the reality of his oppressive rule, the devastation inflicted upon Syria, and the international condemnation he faced.
Assad’s account begins with the rapid advance of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, an opposition group, which swept through western Syria, culminating in the fall of Damascus on December 8th. He claims to have remained in the capital until the morning of the 8th, coordinating combat operations and only relocating to Lattakia, a coastal city, after "terrorist forces infiltrated Damascus." This relocation, according to Assad, was done in coordination with his Russian allies and aimed at overseeing the ongoing conflict from the Hmeimim Air Base.
Upon arrival at the Russian airbase, Assad claims the situation deteriorated rapidly. He describes the swift fall of Syrian army positions in the surrounding area and escalating drone strikes targeting the base by opposition forces. This precarious situation, he asserts, left him with no viable escape route, prompting Moscow to orchestrate his immediate evacuation to Russia on the evening of December 8th.
Assad’s narrative emphasizes his unwavering commitment to Syria, painting himself as a dedicated leader who fought alongside his troops on the "most dangerous and intense battlefields." He claims to have resisted numerous offers and enticements, prioritizing the "salvation of his nation" over personal gain. This narrative seeks to rewrite the history of his regime, obscuring the years of documented human rights abuses, torture, arbitrary detentions, and executions that characterized his rule.
Contradicting the image of a leader deeply connected to his people, Assad’s actions leading up to his departure reflect a desperate attempt to cling to power, followed by a hasty retreat under the protection of his Russian allies. His claims of fighting alongside his troops in the final days lack credible evidence and stand in stark contrast to reports of his isolation and increasing reliance on foreign support.
Furthermore, Assad’s insistence on framing the opposition as "terrorists" and the conflict as a "liberation revolution" is a well-worn tactic aimed at delegitimizing the uprising against his rule. This rhetoric ignores the legitimate grievances of the Syrian people, who suffered under his oppressive regime and yearned for democratic reforms. His narrative conveniently overlooks the widespread protests that initially sparked the conflict and the brutal crackdown that followed, fueling the descent into civil war. Instead, he presents a simplified narrative that obscures the complex dynamics of the conflict and his regime’s role in perpetuating the violence.
Assad’s self-portrayal as a dedicated custodian of Syria is a blatant attempt to rewrite history and absolve himself of responsibility for the devastation inflicted upon his country. His narrative contradicts the lived experiences of millions of Syrians who endured years of conflict, displacement, and human rights abuses under his rule. It also ignores the extensive documentation of his regime’s atrocities by international human rights organizations and independent observers. While Assad may seek to portray himself as a victim of circumstance, the reality is that he bears significant responsibility for the tragic fate of Syria and its people. His statement, released from the safety of exile in Russia, offers little more than a self-serving justification for his actions and a distorted interpretation of the events that led to his downfall.
