The end of the Assad family’s five-decade rule will reshape the balance of power in the region, but many uncertainties lie ahead. 

​The end of the Assad family’s five-decade rule will reshape the balance of power in the region, but many uncertainties lie ahead.  

Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), led a rebel offensive that claims to have ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Jolani, formerly linked to Al-Qaeda, has presented a more moderate image recently. The offensive swiftly captured key cities, culminating in rebels entering Damascus.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar defended India’s purchase of Russian oil, stating it wasn’t necessarily cheap and questioning the availability of better deals. He emphasized India’s focus on dialogue with both Russia and Ukraine, facilitating conversations without mediating a peace plan. Minister Puri previously highlighted India’s role in stabilizing global oil prices by buying Russian oil amidst boycotts.