Washington, D.C. — Allison McManus, managing director of National Security and International Policy at the Center for American Progress, issued the following statement after reports the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has been ousted:
What seemed unthinkable only weeks ago has now come to pass: Bashar al-Assad’s regime has fallen. Without the support of his Iranian and Russian backers, Assad’s edifice of control over Syria crumbled in mere days. After more than 50 years of the Assad family’s violent and corrupt dictatorship, the Syrian people have hope for a brighter future.
Assad’s downfall is a historic step on the path to a free and democratic Syria, but it is far from the final step. The rebel forces that have captured city after city have a disturbing history of violent extremism. Though they have promised reforms, promises will not be enough to protect Syria’s many religious and ethnic minorities.
The road ahead will be long, and it must be Syrian led. The international community should be ready to support Syrians of all backgrounds in pushing back against extremism and repression and encouraging progress in their long struggle for justice, freedom, and democracy.
For more information or to speak with an expert, please contact Sam Hananel at [email protected].