What lies ahead for Assad and his family?

Bashar al-Assad, the former president of Syria, has been removed from power after a long reign that lasted 24 years. His family has been in control of Syria for over half a century, starting with his father, Hafez al-Assad, who served as president for 30 years. With the rise of rebel forces forming a new government, the future of Bashar, his wife Asma, and their three children is now unclear. They have fled to Russia, where they have been offered asylum, but many questions remain about what will happen to them next. The decision to seek refuge in Russia is significant, as Russia has been a strong ally of Assad throughout the Syrian civil war. In 2015, Russia began a military campaign to support Assad, which helped him regain control in many areas. However, as the conflict continued, Russia became preoccupied with its own war in Ukraine, leaving Assad vulnerable to the rapid advances of rebel forces. After the rebels took control of Damascus, it was reported that Assad and his family arrived in Moscow, where they would be granted asylum on humanitarian grounds. The relationship between the Assad family and Russia is well-known. A 2019 investigation revealed that Assad's extended family had purchased numerous luxury apartments in Moscow, likely to protect their wealth during the ongoing conflict in Syria. Additionally, Assad's eldest son, Hafez, is currently studying for a PhD in Russia, further solidifying their ties to the country. Amid the chaos of the recent events, Russian state media reported that officials in Moscow were in discussions with the Syrian armed opposition to secure Russia's military bases and diplomatic missions in Syria. Asma al-Assad, Bashar's wife, has a unique background. She was born and raised in London to Syrian parents and worked as an investment banker before moving to Syria in 2000. She married Bashar around the time he became president. Experts suggest that Asma, who holds a British passport, could potentially return to the UK, but the situation is complicated by the fact that her father is also in Russia and has faced sanctions from the USA. Reports indicate that her parents are in Moscow to support their daughter and son-in-law during this difficult time. The couple has three children: Hafez, Zein, and Karim. The Assad family is known to be extremely wealthy, with estimates of their net worth ranging from one billion to two billion dollars. However, it is challenging to determine the exact amount due to the secretive nature of their financial dealings. Bashar and Asma have been linked to various economic activities in Syria, and Asma has played a significant role in managing the country's economic crisis. In 2020, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accused Asma of being one of Syria's most notorious war profiteers, suggesting that she has used her position to benefit financially from the ongoing conflict. As the Assad dynasty comes to an end, there are calls for accountability for the human rights violations committed during their rule. Amnesty International has highlighted the severe suffering experienced by the Syrian people, including the use of chemical weapons and other war crimes. The international community is urged to investigate and prosecute those responsible for these crimes. A leader of the Syrian rebels has stated that they will identify and name any officials involved in the torture of political prisoners. In France, there are efforts to hold Assad accountable for his actions, particularly regarding a chemical attack in 2013. However, since he is currently in Russia, it is unlikely that he will face extradition to any country where he could be charged with crimes. As Syrians celebrate the end of the Assad family's rule, the future remains uncertain, and many questions linger about what lies ahead for the former president and his family.