Russia and Iran Complicit in Assad’s Crimes in Syria, Says NATO Secretary General

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has criticized Russia and Iran for their roles in Syria’s war, stating that both countries share responsibility for the crimes committed against the Syrian people.

In his post on X on December 9, Rutte emphasized that Russia, along with Iran, had abandoned Bashar al-Assad once he no longer served their interests, proving to be unreliable partners.

“Russia and Iran share responsibility for the crimes committed against the Syrian people. They also proved to be unreliable partners, abandoning Assad when he no longer served their interests,” Rutte said.

Rutte also called for a peaceful transition of power in Syria, stressing the importance of an inclusive political process and urging rebel leaders to uphold the rule of law, protect civilians, and respect minorities during this critical period.

On December 8, Syrian opposition forces declared the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad after capturing Damascus, bringing an end to more than five decades of authoritarian rule under the Assad dynasty.