Trump Declares ‘Assad Is Gone,’ Urges Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire Amid Syria Crisis

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime has collapsed, marking a dramatic shift in the Middle East’s balance of power. Assad reportedly fled Syria over the weekend as terrorist rebel forces, led by the U.S.-designated terror group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), overran Damascus. This development follows years of Syria’s civil war, a brutal conflict that had recently been overshadowed by Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

Former President Donald Trump weighed in on the situation, highlighting the crumbling alliances that have reshaped global geopolitics. “Assad is gone. He has fled his country,” Trump wrote. “His protector, Russia, was no longer interested in keeping him in power.” Trump pointed to Russia’s preoccupation with Ukraine, where staggering losses have left the Kremlin vulnerable.

Russia, long seen as a stabilizing force for Assad’s regime, now faces near-catastrophic losses on multiple fronts.

• Russia’s war with Ukraine has cost close to 600,000 Russian casualties, severely undermining Moscow’s influence abroad.

• With its resources diverted and military capabilities diminished, Russia’s failure to maintain its grip on Syria leaves Iran similarly exposed.

• Iran, Assad’s other critical ally, has suffered mounting setbacks from Israeli military successes and economic pressure.

Trump highlighted the toll on Ukraine as well, noting, “Ukraine has ridiculously lost 400,000 soldiers, and many more civilians.” He called for an immediate ceasefire, warning of further devastation if hostilities persist. “Too many lives are being so needlessly wasted. I know Vladimir well. This is his time to act. China can help. The world is waiting!”

The fall of Assad has created a power vacuum exploited by HTS, an organization with a long and bloody history.

• Originally an offshoot of al-Qaeda, HTS severed ties in 2018 but remains a dangerous force in the region.

• Backed by Turkey, HTS successfully capitalized on the diminished support for Assad to seize control.

This rise of HTS poses a new challenge for global stability. While the Biden administration has promised not to engage militarily, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan emphasized steps to curb the resurgence of ISIS and protect regional allies like Israel, Jordan, and Iraq.

Trump, however, reiterated his position that the U.S. should avoid involvement in Syria altogether. “Syria is a mess, but is not our friend,” Trump declared on social media. “This is not our fight. Let it play out. Do not get involved!”

The collapse of Assad’s regime signals the end of an era in Syria but ushers in new uncertainties. As Russia’s entanglements in Ukraine drag on, Iran falters under pressure, and terrorist groups like HTS gain ground, the U.S. faces critical decisions about its role in the region.

For now, Trump’s call for diplomacy in the Russia-Ukraine conflict offers a glimmer of hope for resolving at least one of the crises threatening global stability.

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