How World leaders reacted to the Assad Regime's collapse 

The fall of Syria's Assad regime on Sunday morning prompted a flurry of responses from world leaders, highlighting the complex web of regional interests and concerns about stability in the Middle East.

President Joe Biden's administration, already facing multiple international crises, issued a carefully worded statement emphasizing close monitoring of the situation. "President Biden and his team are closely monitoring the extraordinary events in Syria and remain in constant contact with regional partners," the White House said, notably avoiding any direct celebration of the regime's collapse.

French President Emmanuel Macron took a more decisive stance, describing the end of what he termed "the barbaric state" while expressing support for the Syrian people. His statement reflected France's historical involvement in Syria and its broader Middle Eastern policy objectives.

Turkey, which has played a pivotal role in Syria's civil conflict through its support of opposition forces, emerged as one of the more vocal participants in the international discourse. Foreign Minister Fidan's statements at a hastily arranged press conference highlighted Turkey's ambitions for influence in post-Assad Syria, while carefully emphasizing territorial integrity.

"Syria has reached a stage where the Syrian people will shape their country's future," Fidan said, though his subsequent comments about the need for external support suggested Turkey's intention to maintain its influence in the region.

Perhaps most telling was Russia's response. Moscow, which until recently served as Assad's primary military and diplomatic supporter, appeared to distance itself from its former ally. "The Syrians will have to deal with a full-scale civil war on their own," said Konstantin Kosachev, Deputy Chairman of Russia's Federation Council, in what analysts view as a clear signal of Russia's withdrawal from its Syrian commitments.

The international reactions came against the backdrop of former President Trump's earlier comments, which placed Assad's fall within the broader context of regional conflicts, including Israel's ongoing war with Hezbollah and the Russian-Ukrainian war.

Western officials, including UK Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, emphasized the need for a managed transition while acknowledging the challenges ahead. However, concrete proposals for stabilizing the country remain notably absent from the international discourse.

As Syria enters this new chapter, the careful wording of these international responses reveals the complex calculations being made by global powers, each seeking to position themselves in what promises to be a challenging period of transition in one of the Middle East's most strategically important nations.

Kikar HaShabbat contributed to this article.