The political landscape in Syria has always been marked by the longevity of the Assad family’s rule. For decades, the slogan “Our Leader Forever” represented a reality embedded in the collective consciousness of the Syrian people. This almost immutable notion was the source of dark jokes for many Syrians, who could not help but let out a wry smile at the idea that President Hafez al-Assad would live forever. However, in June 2000, reality caught up with fiction, showing that even the most powerful leaders are not immortal.
After Hafez al-Assad’s death, his son Bashar al-Assad took his place at the head of the Syrian regime. While the future of the Assad dynasty seemed uncertain during the Arab Spring in 2011, Syria’s backers, such as Iran, Hezbollah, and Russia, worked to keep the regime in place. Despite international pressure and the many conflicts that have erupted in Syria, the Assad regime has remained firmly entrenched in power.
However, recently, a breach has opened in this seemingly impregnable fortress. The offensive launched by the opposition, led by the rebel group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, surprised by rapidly reaching the heart of Aleppo in just 72 hours. This turnaround raises questions about the solidity of the Assad regime and the extent of foreign support that props it up.
The erosion of Assad’s power is partly explained by the changes in strategy of his regional allies. Hezbollah, Russia and Iran face external pressures that prevent them from maintaining unwavering support for the Syrian regime. Moreover, the longevity of the Assads’ rule has generated growing economic and social problems in Syria, further complicating the situation.
This recent upheaval in Syria raises questions about the future of the Assad regime and its grip on the country. The end of the Assad family in power may be inevitable, testifying once again that nothing lasts forever in politics, and that even the most robust regimes can falter in the face of unsuspected forces.