On December 8, 2024, Bashar al-Assad’s regime collapsed, ending over 50 years of his family’s authoritarian rule in Syria. Rebel forces quickly seized major cities, including Damascus, forcing Assad to flee the country. His leadership was marked by brutal violence, chemical attacks on civilians, and strong support from Russia and Iran. Thirteen years of civil war left Syria in ruins, with destroyed infrastructure, a weakened economy, and deep divisions among its people that may take decades to heal.
Many Syrians are celebrating this dramatic change, seeing it as a long-awaited chance for freedom and a better future. However, the country’s future remains unclear and full of challenges. The rebels who overthrew Assad are led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group with a controversial past and links to terrorism. Their leader, Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, has promised a new vision for Syria based on tolerance and inclusivity, but many question HTS’s ability to unite the country which has been deeply divided by years of brutal conflict.
The war displaced millions of Syrians and forced entire communities to flee their homes. Families are still searching for loved ones who disappeared or were held in Assad’s feared prisons, with little information about their fates. While Assad’s fall brings hope for an end to years of suffering, rebuilding cities, restoring institutions, and healing divisions will require enormous effort, trust, and support from the international community. The U.S. and other nations will be key in providing assistance, but their involvement remains uncertain. With the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) still posing a threat, the role of Kurdish forces and the risks of more violence will affect Syria’s future.
For Syrians, this moment is one of both hope and uncertainty. As the country begins its delicate transition, questions remain about HTS’s leadership, the role of other countries, and whether lasting peace and stability can truly be achieved.
