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Lebanon’s Christian factions rejoice over Assad regime fall
Celebrations erupted across several areas in Lebanon following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria. Opposition factions took control of Damascus, leading to public gatherings in Lebanese squares, where revellers set off fireworks. At border crossings between Lebanon and Syria, images of Assad and symbols of the Baath Party regime were swiftly removed.
In The Lebanese Forces Headquarters, Dr Samir Geagea, leader of the Lebanese Forces Party, a Christian-based political party and former militia during the Lebanese Civil War, convened members of the Strong Republic Bloc, the Party’s Executive Committee, the Central Council, and the General Assembly to mark this historic moment. Geagea described Assad’s fall as a “warrior’s respite,” reflecting on the past struggles and the way forward towards building a fully sovereign Lebanese state.
The Lebanese Forces Party has consistently opposed Syrian influence in Lebanon. Its founder, Bachir Gemayel, was assassinated by Syrian forces in 1982. Geagea, the only Party leader during the Lebanese Civil War (1975–1990) to serve 11 years in prison under Syrian occupation, has led the party in maintaining its stance against external domination.
In his remarks, Geagea reflected on the impact of the Syrian regime on Lebanon, accusing it of undermining the country’s sovereignty, destroying villages, and facilitating Iranian influence. He referred to the day as “the day of Bachir Gemayel,” saying, “They assassinated him but turned him into a symbol. This is also a day of justice—not just for Syria but for Lebanon.”
Not all are happy
Geagea addressed the consequences of Assad’s downfall for Hezbollah, a long-standing ally of the Syrian regime. Speaking at a press conference he held today, he said, “The game is over (…) Every day you delay is a day wasted—for yourselves and for all Lebanese.”
Hezbollah, already weakened after a year-long conflict with Israel, has been further strained by its involvement in the Syrian war. Following the fall of Assad, the group withdrew its fighters from Syria after rebel factions launched a surprise offensive, culminating in their entry into Damascus and the end of over five decades of Assad family rule.
Geagea urged Hezbollah to hand over its weapons to the Lebanese army, calling for the establishment of a unified state capable of addressing the country’s challenges. “Your environment needs the stability of a real state to begin reconstruction,” he remarked.
Christian and Sunni-majority areas in Lebanon witnessed widespread celebrations of the Assad regime’s collapse. For many, this development represents an opportunity for Lebanon to reclaim its independence and sovereignty, free from foreign influence.
Geagea stated that this moment marks the beginning of efforts to build a genuine Lebanese state. He called for unity and responsibility from both leaders and citizens to ensure a better future, concluding, “This is the beginning of building a true state in Lebanon.”
