Bashar al-Assad’s narrative, disseminated via Telegram following his ousting from power and flight to Russia, paints a picture of a steadfast leader unjustly targeted by “international terrorism” masquerading as a “liberation revolution.” He portrays himself as a dedicated “custodian” of Syria, committed to resisting this so-called terrorist onslaught until his forced evacuation. This self-portrayal stands in stark contrast to the widely documented human rights abuses, brutal repression, and devastating conflict that characterized his nearly 14-year rule. Assad’s statement omits any acknowledgment of his regime’s role in the suffering of the Syrian people, instead focusing on his alleged dedication to the nation and his supposed efforts to safeguard Syria’s sovereignty.
Assad claims that he remained in Damascus, fighting alongside his troops, until the very last moments before the city’s fall to Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham. He describes a rapid and overwhelming rebel advance, forcing him to relocate to Lattakia to oversee combat operations in coordination with Russian allies. From Hmeimim Air Base, the situation deteriorated further. According to Assad, the Syrian army positions around the base crumbled, and the base itself came under increasing drone attack from opposition forces. This precarious situation, he asserts, necessitated his evacuation to Russia at the request of Moscow.
The former president attempts to bolster his narrative by emphasizing his presence on the front lines, “just meters from terrorists,” claiming he fought alongside his soldiers in the “most dangerous and intense battlefields.” This image of a courageous leader actively involved in the defense of his nation is central to Assad’s self-portrayal. It stands in stark contradiction to the popular perception of him as a detached dictator relying on brutal force and foreign intervention to cling to power. His statement also includes an explicit denial of any self-serving motivations, insisting that he “refused to barter the salvation of his nation for personal gain.”
Assad’s narrative carefully sidesteps the well-documented atrocities committed under his regime. He makes no mention of the widespread human rights abuses, the use of chemical weapons, the arbitrary detentions and torture, or the countless civilian casualties resulting from his forces’ actions. Instead, he presents himself as driven solely by a patriotic desire to protect Syria and its people. He claims his actions were always motivated by the “faith of the Syrian people,” who supposedly believed in his vision for the nation.
The incongruity between Assad’s self-presented image and the reality of his rule is stark. International human rights organizations, journalists, and numerous eyewitness accounts have documented systematic oppression and brutality under his regime. These reports detail the horrific conditions in Syrian prisons, the indiscriminate targeting of civilians, and the widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure. Assad’s attempt to portray himself as a selfless protector of his nation clashes directly with this overwhelming evidence of widespread suffering under his leadership.
The international community has largely condemned Assad’s actions and held him responsible for the devastation in Syria. His narrative, published after his removal from power, represents a final attempt to rewrite his legacy and absolve himself of responsibility for the immense human cost of the Syrian conflict. His assertions of unwavering dedication to his people and his claims of fighting against terrorism are deeply at odds with the lived experiences of millions of Syrians who have endured years of violence, displacement, and oppression under his rule. The stark contrast between Assad’s self-portrayal and the well-documented realities of his regime underscores the profound disconnect between his version of events and the internationally recognized account of the Syrian conflict.
