The Fall of Assad's Regime

Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria collapsed rapidly in a mere 11 days, a timeline marked by decisive military failures and the diminishing support from key allies like Russia and Iran. Once a symbol of brutal dictatorship, Assad's refusal to adapt amid the Arab Spring led to his ultimate downfall, as he fled to Moscow just before the rebels advanced on his capital. The rebel coalition, spearheaded by the Al-Qaeda-linked group HTS, capitalized on the regime's weaknesses and the public's growing discontent, sparking a nationwide insurgency that culminated in the regime's unraveling. This rapid political shift highlights the characteristics of state collapse, which often occurs expeditiously when a regime loses legitimacy and military control.