German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has expressed his satisfaction at the conclusion of President Bashar al-Assad’s reign in Syria. On Sunday, Scholz condemned al-Assad for his brutal oppression of the Syrian people, resulting in numerous casualties and prompting many to seek refuge in Germany. He highlighted the significant hardships endured by the Syrian population and deemed the end of al-Assad’s rule a positive development. Scholz emphasized the urgent need for the restoration of law and order in Syria and stressed the importance of safeguarding the rights of all minorities. He maintained that a political resolution to the Syrian conflict remains viable. The German government’s criteria for evaluating future Syrian leadership include ensuring dignity and self-determination for all Syrians, protecting Syria’s sovereignty from external interference, and promoting peaceful coexistence with neighboring nations.
Reports indicate that fighters from the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) have seized control of Damascus, the Syrian capital, following the successful takeover of various provinces by rebel factions. Government forces reportedly retreated from several regions without resistance, and it has been claimed that the Syrian leader has fled abroad. Israel announced its support for United Nations peacekeepers in Syria after an attack on a UN position near the Israeli border. The Israeli military has reinforced its presence in the Golan Heights region, which was annexed from Syria in the past.
In South Korea, former Defence Minister Kim Yong Hyun was arrested in connection with an investigation into alleged treason. The 65-year-old, who stepped down recently and was replaced, had been a vocal advocate of a martial law declaration that was later revoked. The situation escalated when President Yoon Suk Yeol accused the opposition of sympathizing with North Korea and called for martial law to be imposed.
The Russian Foreign Ministry has called on all parties involved in the ousting of Bashar al-Assad to refrain from using force. Al-Assad reportedly relinquished power and departed Syria, with Russia maintaining communication with various factions in the region. Moscow had supported al-Assad’s regime militarily since 2015 and emphasized that he had instructed a peaceful transition of authority.
Ghana held presidential elections on Saturday, with citizens hopeful for economic recovery under new leadership. The youth vote is considered crucial in the race between candidates from the opposing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and National Democratic Congress (NDC), which have alternated in power since 1992. A significant portion of registered voters are between 18 and 35 years old.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu views the end of Bashar al-Assad’s rule in Syria as presenting both opportunities and risks for Israel. Netanyahu expressed Israel’s interest in fostering amicable relations with Syria while ensuring that no hostile entities pose a threat.
During a visit to the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, which borders Israel, Prime Minister Netanyahu, joined by Defense Minister Israel Katz, remarked that this was a “historic day” for the Middle East.
