Damascus – An extensive report published by The Atlantic details the final days of Bashar al-Assad’s presidency in Syria, alleging a pattern of extravagance, detachment, and a hasty flight from power in December 2024. The report paints a picture of a regime crumbling not from overwhelming military force, but from internal decay and a leader increasingly out of touch with reality.
Central to the allegations is the characterization of Luna al-Shibl, a former media advisor to Assad, as both a close confidante and a lover. According to sources cited in the report – including former senior officials within Assad’s regime, individuals close to the presidential palace, and a former official from Israel’s security establishment – al-Shibl allegedly facilitated sexual encounters for Assad, even involving the wives of high-ranking Syrian officers.
The report claims that Assad remained confident of victory even as rebel forces, led by Ahmad al-Sharaa, closed in on Damascus on . He reportedly reassured aides that the situation was under control, only to flee the country overnight aboard a Russian aircraft with minimal warning to his inner circle. Al-Sharaa subsequently replaced Assad as Syria’s president.
The Atlantic’s reporting suggests a leader preoccupied with personal pleasures and shielded from the realities of a collapsing state. Sources describe Assad as spending much of his time playing video games, including Candy Crush, while Syria descended into a “narco-state” fueled by the production and smuggling of the amphetamine Captagon, allegedly overseen by his brother, Maher. The report details a shift away from experienced advisors from his father’s era towards a small circle of younger, less-established figures, with al-Shibl wielding significant influence.
The circumstances surrounding al-Shibl’s death in have fueled speculation. State media reported a car accident outside Damascus, but details were scant and raised questions. The report notes that the damage to her vehicle appeared inconsistent with the severity of her injuries – a crushed skull – leading to rumors of foul play. Some reports suggested she was assassinated on the orders of Tehran for allegedly providing information to Israel, while others, citing sources within the regime, claim Assad himself ordered her killing.
According to the Israeli official cited in the report, al-Shibl had become a Russian agent, passing information about Iranian activities in Syria to Moscow. This alleged shift in allegiance may have contributed to her downfall, though the report acknowledges difficulty in verifying these claims.
The narrative details a growing disconnect between Assad and his advisors in the months leading up to his departure. In November 2024, while in Russia for his son’s doctoral defense, Assad reportedly remained in Moscow even as Aleppo fell to rebel forces, seemingly awaiting a rescue from Vladimir Putin that never materialized. Upon his return to Damascus, he continued to offer assurances of impending victory, despite mounting evidence to the contrary.
The report highlights Assad’s perceived arrogance and refusal to compromise, even when presented with potential lifelines from regional powers. Foreign ministers reportedly contacted Assad in the regime’s final days, proposing deals, but he allegedly refused to engage, appearing “sulking” and unwilling to relinquish power.
Sources describe Assad’s deep admiration for Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, and a belief in the “axis of resistance”’s ability to deliver a decisive blow against Israel. This, according to the report, led to unrealistic expectations and a refusal to make necessary concessions.
The final hours of Assad’s rule are described as chaotic. As rebel forces advanced, Assad reportedly ordered his staff to pack his belongings, preparing for a swift departure. He allegedly dismissed concerns from his aides, insisting they continue to fight, even as it became clear that many loyalists were fleeing the capital. He departed with his son Hafez and a small group of Russian officials, leaving behind a country in turmoil.
Assad is currently residing in Moscow with his wife, Asma, and their children. Syria’s new government, under Ahmed al-Sharaa, is reportedly seeking Assad’s extradition from Russia as a condition for improved relations, though Russia continues to maintain strategic military bases within Syria.
Luna al-Shibl’s career began in Syrian state television before moving to Al Jazeera in , where she hosted the program “Lilnisaa Faqat” (For Women Only). She resigned from Al Jazeera in and briefly returned to Syrian state television before becoming a key advisor to Assad, eventually serving on the Central Committee of the Arab Socialist Baath Party until her dismissal in , two months before her death.
