Conflict deepened in Syria on Sunday after the Syrian army announced the end of President Bashar al-Assad’s rule after rebels stormed the capital city and declared Damascus “liberated by Assad,” Reuters reported. The Syrian president has reportedly fled the country to an unknown destination.
Syria’s devastating civil war, which has been raging for more than 13 years, has drawn a range of responses from global leaders, reflecting diverse political interests and humanitarian concerns. While US President-elect Donald Trump has insisted on non-intervention, Turkey has expressed its view of asserting Syria’s internal sovereignty.
The conflict in Syria, which began in 2011 as a series of protests against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, has evolved into a complex conflict involving multiple factions, foreign interventions and dire humanitarian consequences.
A man rides his motorcycle past a burning government armored vehicle south of Hama, Syria, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. (AP)
Taking to social media, Donald Trump Urges the United States to stay out of the conflict:
“Syria is a mess, but not our friend, and the United States has nothing to do with it. This is not our fight. Let it play out. Don’t get involved!”
Trump’s message reflects his broader “America First” policy, advocating limited U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts, especially those that do not directly affect U.S. interests.
Turkish President Erdogan expressed a vision for Syria that emphasized the importance of a peaceful solution. He commented:
“There is now a new reality in Syria, politically and diplomatically. And Syria belongs to Syrians, including all ethnic, sectarian and religious elements.
There is now a new political and diplomatic reality in Syria. And Syria is Syrian with all its ethnic, religious and religious elements.
It is the people of Syria who will decide the future of their country.
— Recep Tayyip Erdogan (@RTERdogan) December 7, 2024
Erdogan expressed Turkey’s desire to achieve stability in Syria, adding, “As Turkey, we want our neighbor Syria to quickly regain the peace, stability and tranquility it has been yearning for for 13 years.” His stance highlighted Turkey’s insistence on Syria’s territorial integrity and the importance of a peaceful transition that reflects Syria’s diverse communities.
Al-Jalali, representing the Syrian government, presented the conflict as a fight for the country’s identity rather than a territorial dispute. He emphasized:
“The real battle our country is fighting is the battle of national identity. Geographical warfare is a secondary war, which our brave army and armed forces have been fighting since 2011 and continues today.
Germany has voiced the need for a diplomatic solution. Minister Tobias Lindner expressed concern over the escalation of the conflict, particularly in relation to Russian military involvement. He said:
“We call on all parties to de-escalate tensions and remind them of their responsibility to protect civilians. There should be no foreign escalation. Russian airstrikes on civilian targets are particularly worrisome.
Lindner emphasized the importance of a political resolution under the UN framework, specifically referring to Resolution 2254, which calls for a political transition in Syria.
👇👇👇 https://t.co/f4QBr7kDN9
– Dr. Tobias Lindner (@tobiaslindner) December 7, 2024
“What we need now is a political process, a solution in the framework of UN Resolution 2254,” he said, urging all sides to focus on diplomacy rather than further military action.
I have been following developments in Syria closely. I urge all parties to protect citizens and respect minority rights.
Only a Syrian-led political solution will resolve the conflict and bring much-needed security and stability. 2/2
– Hamish Falconer MP (@HFalconerMP) December 6, 2024
Hamish Falconer echoed the concerns of the international community regarding the escalation of violence and its potential impact on civilians. He called for diplomatic efforts to avoid further military intervention and civilian casualties. Falconer joined other world leaders in stressing the importance of political dialogue as the only path to stability in Syria.