Balance of Power

Assad’s Fall Is a Big Win for Turkey’s Erdogan

Members of the Syrian community in Istanbul’s Fatih district celebrate the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
*Photographer: Kemal Aslan/AFP*

Provide news feedback or report an error

Confidential tip?

Send a tip to our reporters

Site feedback:

Take our Survey

By Paul Wallace

December 10, 2024 at 10:59 AM UTC

Welcome to Balance of Power, bringing you the latest in global politics. If you haven’t yet, sign up here.

The toppling of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad blindsided just about every foreign power, be it Russia, the US or Iran, leaving them wary about what comes next.