International media sources have revealed that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) played a crucial role in mediating a safe passage for Syria’s former president, Bashar al-Assad, out of Damascus after the fall of his regime due to advances by opposition forces.
According to a report by Bloomberg, Assad, during his final days in power, made several offers and initiatives in an attempt to cling to power as opposition forces advanced toward Damascus.
The UAE reportedly conveyed Assad’s proposal to the United States, offering to sever Syria’s ties with Iran-backed groups if Western powers intervened to halt the fighting.
The report also noted that Assad expressed willingness to negotiate a deal that would either allow him to retain control over territories still under his military’s grip or ensure his safe exile if necessary—a scenario ultimately realized through UAE mediation.
Opposition Forces Declare Victory
Early Sunday morning, Syrian armed opposition forces announced the fall of Assad’s regime and their entry into the capital, Damascus. This victory marked the culmination of a series of swift advances over recent days, beginning in Aleppo, followed by Hama, and then Homs.
UAE’s History of Engagement with Assad
Over the past years, the UAE has led a regional and international diplomatic campaign to normalize relations with Assad’s regime and ease its international isolation.
The UAE reopened its embassy in Damascus on December 27, 2018, which was followed by several visits by Assad and Syrian government delegations to the Emirates.
Despite these efforts, the UAE’s political calculations regarding Assad’s survival ultimately proved inaccurate. The UAE, in a public shift of stance, blamed the Syrian regime for the failure of its political and strategic decisions.
UAE’s Criticism of Assad’s Failures
Anwar Gargash, an advisor to the UAE president, commented on the recent rapid developments in Syria, labeling them as a clear indication of the Assad regime’s political failure.
Gargash stated: “Bashar al-Assad failed to take advantage of the lifelines extended to him by various Arab states, including the UAE.”
He emphasized that Syria’s future leadership should rest in the hands of Syrians, expressing hope for an end to the cycle of violence and chaos in the country.
Gargash elaborated on the UAE’s stance toward Syria, noting that since 2011, Arab nations, including the UAE, advised Assad to seek internal solutions through dialogue and negotiation. However, Assad consistently rejected these avenues, leading to his political downfall.
Missed Opportunities for Assad
Gargash accused Assad of ignoring multiple lifelines offered by Arab nations, including the UAE, which sought to guide him toward reconciliation and political reform.
“Assad was advised to reconcile with Turkey and pursue constructive dialogues, but he failed politically, and this collapse is the result of that failure,” Gargash stated.
The UAE’s position underscores its early belief in resolving the Syrian crisis through internal dialogue, but Assad’s resistance to reform and negotiation ultimately contributed to the regime’s collapse.
A Pivotal Role in Assad’s Exit
The UAE’s mediation highlights its influence in the region and its strategic interest in shaping Syria’s post-Assad future. By facilitating Assad’s safe passage, the UAE has sought to position itself as a key player in the regional power dynamics, even as it publicly distances itself from the failures of Assad’s regime.
