CAIR Congratulates Syrians on the Fall of Assad Regime, Calls for Global Action

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States, issued a statement on Sunday congratulating Syrian Americans and the people of Syria on what it described as the "historic fall" of Bashar al-Assad's regime. This announcement follows reports that opposition forces have taken control of Damascus, marking the end of more than 53 years of Assad family rule.

A Historic Moment for Syria

In its statement, CAIR hailed the collapse of the Assad regime as a "momentous victory" for the Syrian people, who have endured over a decade of civil war, repression, and humanitarian crises. Nihad Awad, CAIR’s national executive director, said, “We congratulate Syrian Americans and the liberated people of Syria on this historic moment. The fall of Assad’s dictatorship is a testament to their resilience and determination.”Awad also emphasized the need for accountability and justice for the victims of the Assad regime. He urged international bodies to hold those responsible for war crimes accountable, stating, “This is not just a victory for Syria but a reminder that tyranny cannot last forever.”

The Fall of Assad's Regime: What Happened?

The stunning collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s government came after a swift and decisive offensive by opposition forces. On November 27, a coalition of opposition fighters launched an attack from Idlib into Aleppo governorate. Within three days, they had seized Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city. By December 8, opposition forces had entered Damascus, prompting Assad to flee. His whereabouts remain unknown.The fall of Assad marks an end to decades of authoritarian rule by his family. Bashar al-Assad took power in 2000 following the death of his father, Hafez al-Assad, who had ruled Syria since 1971. The regime faced its first major challenge during the Arab Spring protests in 2011, which escalated into a brutal civil war that has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and displaced millions.

CAIR’s Call for Global Action

While celebrating this milestone, CAIR also called on Muslim-majority nations and global leaders to act decisively in supporting Syria's transition to democracy. Awad stated that this is an opportunity for the international community to assist in rebuilding Syria and ensuring justice for its people.CAIR emphasized that rebuilding efforts must prioritize human rights and accountability. “The world must not turn its back on Syria now,” Awad said. “We urge Muslim nations to lead efforts in providing humanitarian aid and supporting democratic governance.”

Diasporic Syrian Activism in Focus

Syrian-American advocacy groups have played a pivotal role in keeping international attention on Syria’s plight over the years. Organizations like the Syrian American Council and other diasporic networks have lobbied U.S. lawmakers to pass legislation such as the Caesar Act, which imposed sanctions on entities supporting Assad’s regime.Their efforts have extended beyond lobbying to include humanitarian work and raising awareness about atrocities committed during the conflict. According to a report by SYDialogue.org, these groups have become skilled at navigating U.S. policymaking processes to push for anti-Assad measures.

Humanitarian Crisis Persists

Despite this political breakthrough, Syria remains entrenched in one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. According to World Vision, more than 13.8 million Syrians are displaced both within and outside the country as of 2024. Over half of Syria’s population requires emergency aid due to ongoing food insecurity, destroyed infrastructure, and lack of access to basic services.The United Nations estimates that nearly 7.5 million children need humanitarian assistance in Syria alone. Neighboring countries like Turkey continue to host millions of Syrian refugees, placing immense strain on their resources.

International Reactions

The fall of Assad has drawn mixed reactions globally. While opposition groups and human rights organizations celebrate this as a victory for democracy and justice, questions remain about what comes next for Syria.Russia and Iran, long-time backers of Assad's regime, have yet to issue formal statements regarding his ousting but are expected to reassess their roles in the region following this development. Meanwhile, Western nations are likely to face increased pressure to support Syria's reconstruction and political transition.

Challenges Ahead: Rebuilding Syria

The road ahead for Syria is fraught with challenges. Decades of authoritarian rule have left deep scars on its political institutions and society. Experts warn that achieving stability will require significant international cooperation as well as internal reconciliation among various factions within Syria.Reconstruction efforts will also be complicated by widespread destruction caused by years of conflict. According to data from World Vision and other humanitarian organizations, much of Syria’s infrastructure—including schools, hospitals, and homes—has been decimated.

Looking Forward

As Syrians celebrate this historic moment, CAIR’s statement underscores both the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. The fall of Assad offers hope for a brighter future but also demands concerted efforts from Syrians themselves and the international community to rebuild a free and democratic nation.For now, CAIR continues its call for justice and accountability while urging global leaders not to abandon Syria at this critical juncture. As Awad aptly put it: “This is only the beginning—true freedom requires vigilance.”The coming months will reveal how effectively Syrians can navigate this transition period amidst lingering uncertainties about governance, security, and international support.