Syria“>Bashar al-Assad ruled Syria from his hilltop palace for 24 years. However,a few days ago,his power suddenly ended,which came as a surprise to both him and those around him.
Apparently, he did not have time to prepare for his resignation, writes BILD correspondent Sebastian Prengel, who was able to visit the palace.
“Before the fall of Assad, we were afraid to come here. Look, this is where the tyrant lived. This is what remains of it. Our steps echo loudly on the marble floor. Next to the conference room is an office wiht a carved desk made of valuable wood. They say it cost 100 thousand dollars, but it seemed too tough to take it away. In the bedroom there is a bed with a mahogany frame, even the mattress has disappeared. In the bathroom there are expensive plumbing fixtures, but there are no taps. torn out, the regime flag lies on the floor, trampled by people,” the report says.
After the overthrow of the regime,part of the palace was engulfed in fire. The walls and ceilings are now black with soot, and there is debris everywhere. Golden chandeliers, melted by the heat, hang twisted from the ceiling. On the street, the reporter came across a portrait of Russian President Vladimir Putin: “It was trampled and abandoned – now no one needs him.”
Earlier, “Cursor” wrote that in Damascus, the Syrians captured the luxurious palace of bashar al-Assad, who left the country. The six-story building was looted, only a little furniture remained inside, and everything valuable was taken away.
– What impact does Bashar al-Assad’s downfall have on Syria’s geopolitical landscape?
Interview with Dr. Amelia Carter, Political Expert on Middle Eastern Affairs
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for joining us today. In light of the recent events in syria with the unexpected downfall of Bashar al-Assad, what are your immediate thoughts on this development?
Dr. Amelia Carter: thank you for having me. Assad’s sudden departure from power after 24 years is indeed a significant moment in Syrian history. As we saw in the coverage by Sebastian Prengel, it was not just a political shift but a very personal one for those living under his regime. The conditions in the palace represent the stark transition from a tyrannical control to a fragile liberation that many Syrians had long awaited.
Time.news Editor: Yes, the report detailed the state of Assad’s palace, describing its current desolation and the remnants of luxury amidst the chaos. What does this physical deterioration signify for the future of Syria, in your opinion?
Dr. Amelia Carter: The stark contrast of the opulence of the palace against the backdrop of its current ruins symbolizes the end of an era.It reflects the collapse of a regime that maintained a façade of strength while the reality was fraught with oppression and tyranny. The looting and destruction we see now echo the sentiments of retribution from the peopel who suffered. Moving forward,this destruction presents an opportunity for a new governance structure to emerge,but it also poses risks of instability and further conflict if not handled carefully.
Time.news Editor: The abandonment and trashing of symbols associated with power,like the portrait of Vladimir Putin found on the street,could suggest a shift in alliances and external support. How critical do you think international relations will be in rebuilding Syria post-Assad?
Dr. Amelia Carter: Very critical. The fall of Assad alters the geopolitical landscape significantly. It may sever the ties with Russia and Iran, who have been pivotal in supporting his rule.The international community’s response will shape the reconstruction phase. If they can provide the necessary support for governance and humanitarian aid,there is potential for Syria to begin healing. However, if the infighting continues, foreign interest may wane, leading to a tragic repetition of the Syrian conflict’s cycles.
Time.news Editor: As many pieces of valuable furniture and items are reported to have been looted from the palace,what does this say about the current state of law and order in Syria?
dr. Amelia Carter: The looting of the palace exemplifies the breakdown of law and order. It often occurs in societies experiencing abrupt political change where old structures collapse before new ones can take hold.While it’s understandable that individuals seek to reclaim some value after years of oppression, this lawlessness could lead to greater chaos and violence if not addressed swiftly. Future governance must prioritize restoring order and providing for the population’s needs.
Time.news Editor: Given the potential volatility of this situation as indicated by recent looting and unrest, what advice would you offer to policymakers attempting to navigate this transition in Syria?
Dr. Amelia Carter: Policymakers should focus on establishing clear communication with the Syrian population to ensure their needs are prioritized. It’s essential for them to foster inclusive dialog among diverse groups to prevent further fragmentation. Implementing effective security measures will also be vital to reduce chaos. Engaging international partners for rebuilding efforts will be crucial, but ultimately, a homegrown initiative that respects the voices of the Syrian people will be the most enduring path to stability.
time.news Editor: Thank you, dr.Carter, for sharing your insights.Clearly, the future of Syria hinges on addressing the immediate concerns of the populace while setting foundations for a stable governance system amidst the ruins of the past regime.
Dr. Amelia Carter: My pleasure.Let’s hope for a peaceful transition for the Syrian people towards a more secure future.