Title: Unprecedented Developments in Syria Affect Global Markets
In a dramatic turn of events, it has been reported that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, along with his family, has reportedly taken refuge in Moscow, marking the end of his long-standing rule over Syria. This development was confirmed by a Russian diplomat, as insurgents gained control over the capital city of Damascus.
Mikhail Ulyanov, the Russian representative in Vienna, confirmed in an online post late on December 8 that the Syrian leader and his family were in Moscow, following a challenging situation in their home country. According to reports from Russian media, Assad and his family have been granted political asylum in Moscow.
This information has not yet been confirmed by the Biden administration, although they stated they have no reason to doubt the reports.
The Russian Foreign Ministry revealed that Assad decided to step down following discussions with several parties involved in the ongoing conflict, thereby initiating a peaceful transfer of power. Moscow clarified that it didn’t participate in these discussions.
It’s notable that Russia has been a long-term ally of Syria, providing significant support to Assad’s regime both politically and militarily, particularly during the Syrian civil war, which began in 2011.
The rebels declared on state television that Damascus is now free of the rule of the Assad family, who have held power since 1971. This declaration led to widespread celebrations within the country, with citizens taking to the streets to express their joy and relief.
In response to these developments, Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali expressed readiness to cooperate with any leadership chosen by the people. He reaffirmed that Syria belongs to all Syrians and should maintain good global relations without entering into regional alliances.
The US is closely watching these developments and will engage with all Syrian groups as the country transitions to a new government. The focus will also be on the activities of the Islamic State, which could potentially exploit the current power vacuum to regain control in Syria.
These events represent a significant setback for Russia, which has been a staunch supporter of the Assad regime. The fall of the regime could have geopolitical implications, affecting global markets and potential investors.
The United Nations has reported that almost 300,000 people in Syria have already been displaced due to the fighting since late November. They anticipate that up to 1.5 million more could be forced to flee as the conflict intensifies.
As these events unfold, it is crucial for investors and interested parties worldwide to closely monitor the situation and its potential impact on global politics and markets.
Reports by AP, Reuters, AFP, and dpa contributed to this article.
