Dutch Cabinet “relieved” about Syrian government collapse, but worried about ethnic minorities
The fall of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad marks a turning point in the decade-long civil war, raising both opportunities and uncertainties for Syria and the broader Middle East. Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans called the development "a relief" while emphasizing the need for vigilance regarding the nation's future. Speaking on WNL op Zondag, Brekelmans underscored the potential regional implications and the risks of instability. Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp also voiced his concerns over the swift takeover by the rebels.
“It is a relief that a brutal dictator is finally gone,” said Brekelmans. “Assad was, of course, a vassal of the Iranian regime, and this could mean a decline in Iran’s power and influence.” He further noted that the collapse of Assad’s government also deals a blow to Russian President Vladimir Putin. “For years, Putin supported Assad. The fall of his regime is also a loss of face for Putin.”
The regime’s fall followed rapid advances by rebel forces, who seized the city of Homs before taking control of Damascus shortly after. Assad reportedly fled by plane, leaving a power vacuum in the war-torn nation. Brekelmans described the collapse as “incredibly swift” and unexpected, stating, “No one predicted the regime would fall this quickly.”
Both ministers expressed concern over the group that led the rebellion, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Once affiliated with al-Qaeda, HTS severed ties with the terrorist organization several years ago. Brekelmans acknowledged reports that the group may have moderated its stance, but he remained cautious. “There are indications that they might be becoming more moderate, but whether that’s truly the case remains to be seen,” he said. “We must watch carefully what replaces Assad.”
Brekelmans confirmed that the Netherlands has not prepared evacuation plans for Dutch nationals in Syria. “We have no relations with Assad’s regime, so unlike the situation in Lebanon, there has been no months-long evacuation preparation,” he explained. Syria has long been under a negative travel advisory, and the lack of diplomatic ties complicates emergency planning.
The Dutch government has limited contact with HTS, which now controls large parts of northern Syria. “The Netherlands has virtually no contact with HTS,” Brekelmans said, adding that any communication has been limited to facilitating humanitarian aid in rebel-controlled areas.
The fall of Assad is likely to alter the balance of power in the Middle East, Brekelmans suggested. Assad’s close ties with Iran and military support from Russia were critical to his hold on power. “This is very bad news for Iran and Russia,” he said, describing Assad as a proxy for Tehran and Moscow.
While the regime’s fall signals a potential reduction in Iranian influence, the minister warned that the future remains uncertain. “The complicated reality in Syria will be exactly the same tomorrow,” he stated, pointing to the challenges of securing stability after more than a decade of civil war.
Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp voiced concerns Sunday over the swift rise of HTS in Syria. “HTS has recently adopted a more moderate tone, but many in Syria remain deeply worried, particularly given its origins in al-Qaeda and al-Nusra,” Veldkamp said during an appearance on the political talk show Buitenhof. “Christian groups and Kurds, in particular, are asking what this means for them and are facing profound concerns.”
The minister emphasized the importance of avoiding revenge-driven actions during the transition of power. He commended efforts by the United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, to facilitate a peaceful transfer of power, calling the work “crucial.”
Veldkamp also highlighted Turkey’s role in maintaining stability, noting the country’s influence over HTS and its own vested interest in avoiding further chaos in Syria.
