It is this type of sudden ending, with fleeing, disaster, possible death, that keeps some despots from giving up power.  This is part of what has gone through the Supreme Leader’s mind every day since even before the Revolution, certainly since he lost control of his right arm.  Now he has another right arm to worry about, his main ally and friend Assad is gone and Syria is suddenly seemingly gone.   See “Syria latest: Syrians celebrate Bashar Assad’s fall as his whereabouts remain unknown,” AP, 12-8-24.  Syria’s collapse certainly weakens Iran’s control more than probably anything since 1979.

It is not clear yet how Assad left his plane near Homs and arrived at the Khmeimim Air Base, SE of Latakia.  There was roughly a half day of uncertainty among the public and news outlets worldwide where he was.  Nor is it clear yet why he abandoned his suitor Iran and opted for Russia, but it is probably because of the long-standing deep relationship including that of his father in doing Russia’s bidding in the Middle East, pre-dating Iran’s sway over Syria.  Russia had more to lose by his talking or his death.  But Russia knew his exit plans.  See “Russia says Assad has fled country as plane disappears from radar,” Telegraph, 12-8-24.  And see “Assad arrives in Moscow, is granted asylum by Russia,” Fox, 12-8-24.  Finally, Russia may be cutting some loses, at least for the present, by partially withdrawing from Syria, from the airbase and their Tartus port.  Assad apparently was on a transport to Moscow.  See “Syrian rebels reportedly capture Jableh, city near Russia’s Khmeimim Air Base,” Meduza, 12-8-24.

“Khamenei Loses Everything,” The Atlantic, 12-8-24.