Bashar al-Assad Granted Asylum in Russia

Bashar al-Assad, the ousted Syrian president, and his family have been granted asylum in Moscow following the collapse of his regime amid a rapid advance of rebel forces into Damascus. Russian state media confirmed their arrival, citing humanitarian grounds for the asylum decision, as Assad fled Syria after nearly six decades of his family's rule. The rebel takeover represents a significant shift in the Middle East, diminishing Russian and Iranian influence in the region. As Assad's government fell, thousands of prisoners were reportedly released, and a new rebel-led committee has begun to assume power. U.S. President Joe Biden indicated uncertainty about Assad's whereabouts but noted reports of his presence in Moscow. Russia has stated its commitment to a political settlement regarding the Syrian crisis while maintaining contact with opposition leaders to secure its military interests in the region.