Syria awoke to a new dawn on Monday as President Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia, marking the end of his family's 50-year rule and a 13-year civil war that devastated the nation. Rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), seized the capital Damascus after a swift 12-day advance, leaving the city under curfew. Fighters, many from Idlib, patrolled empty streets as residents cautiously embraced hope for peace. The war claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, created one of the worst refugee crises in history, and reduced cities to rubble.
HTS, a former al Qaeda affiliate, now faces the monumental task of rebuilding Syria. Its leader, Abu Mohammed al-Golani, addressed a crowd at the historic Umayyad Mosque, vowing to unite the nation and turn it into a beacon for the Islamic world. While HTS remains designated as a terrorist organization by most countries, it has sought to rebrand itself to gain international recognition. Meanwhile, former Assad officials, including his prime minister, pledged to assist in the transition of power, though the future of the Syrian army remains uncertain.
The collapse of Assad's regime weakens Iran and Russia’s foothold in the region while bolstering Turkey, which supported the rebels. Millions of refugees in neighboring countries like Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan may finally return home. However, challenges remain as the Arab world grapples with reintegrating Syria and addressing the radical elements that emerged during the war. Initial fears of sectarian violence have subsided, with rebel forces reportedly refraining from retribution in areas like Latakia, Assad’s Alawite heartland.
Israel and the United States have taken decisive military actions amid the transition. Israel credited its campaign against Hezbollah for Assad's downfall, while it launched new strikes on Iranian-linked targets in Syria. The U.S., with troops stationed in Kurdish-held regions, struck dozens of ISIS sites to prevent the terror group from exploiting the turmoil. Both nations aim to contain any further instability while staying out of Syria’s internal power shift.
As Syrians celebrate the release of political prisoners and the departure of Assad's inner circle, the country stands at a crossroads. Streets once marked by fear and division are filled with cautious optimism. The world now watches as Syria embarks on the daunting journey of reconstruction and reconciliation, seeking to heal the wounds of decades of dictatorship and war.
