How al-Assad’s government fell: key moments in the fall of Syria’s ‘dictator’

The fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government has been a complex and violent process, influenced by both internal unrest and external pressure. Over the years, Assad’s grip on power weakened due to protests, civil war, foreign intervention and a changing international environment. Here are the key moments in the fall of Syria’s “dictator.”

The spark: The 2011 protests

The story of Assad’s fall began in 2011, when protests broke out in Syria as part of the Arab Spring. Inspired by revolutions in nearby countries, Syrians demanded political reform, greater freedom and an end to the Assad regime’s authoritarian rule. The government responded violently, using the army to suppress the protests. This brutal repression turned peaceful demonstrations into a full-blown civil war.

The Civil War: A Divided Nation

As the war escalated, the country was torn apart. Rebel groups, both moderate and extremist, rose up against Assad’s government. Assad received support from Russia and Iran, while various opposition groups received support from the West and regional powers. The civil war caused massive devastation, thousands of deaths, and millions of refugees fled Syria.

International Involvement: Support from Russia and Iran

In 2015, Assad’s regime was on the verge of collapse. At this point, Russia and Iran stepped in to provide crucial military and financial support. Russian airstrikes, along with Iranian-backed forces, helped turn the tide of the war in Assad’s favor. This foreign intervention prevented his collapse, allowing him to regain control of much of Syria.

Final Effort: The Battle for Idlib

Despite gaining control of much of the country, Assad’s regime still faces resistance in the northwestern region of Idlib. In recent years, the battle for Idlib has become one of the last strongholds of opposition forces. With Russian and Syrian forces attempting to take back control of the region, opposition groups have continued to launch counter-attacks, but Assad’s regime has largely regained control.