DAMASCUS. A new chapter in Syria’s tumultuous history unfolded on Monday as the long-standing regime of President Bashar al-Assad crumbled and the capital, Damascus, fell into the hands of rebel forces. After 13 years of civil war and more than 50 years of authoritarian rule by the Assad family, the Syrian people woke up to a hopeful but uncertain future.
The lightning-fast advance of the militia alliance, led by Hayat al-Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former al-Qaeda affiliate, marked one of the most significant shifts in the Middle East in generations. This dramatic change came with the flight of Assad to Russia, where he was granted asylum, as confirmed by Russian media and Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia’s ambassador to international organizations in Vienna.
With Assad’s fall, Iran and Russia, two major powers that had backed his regime, lost their foothold in the region, reshaping the political landscape of the Arab world. U.S. President Joe Biden expressed concerns over the period of risk and uncertainty Syria now faces, as it marks the first time in years that neither Russia, Iran, nor Hezbollah holds any significant influence over the country.
While HTS continues to be labeled a terrorist group by the U.S., Turkey, and the United Nations, it has worked over the years to soften its image, seeking to reassure international communities and the diverse Syrian population. The group’s success in ousting Assad also curtails Iran’s ability to arm its regional allies and threatens Russia’s access to its critical Mediterranean naval base.
The path ahead for Syria is fraught with challenges. With the Assad regime’s brutal repression now over, the country faces the daunting task of rebuilding from the devastation caused by more than a decade of war. Cities lay in ruins, hundreds of thousands of lives have been lost, and the economy lies in tatters due to global sanctions. The country is in desperate need of billions of dollars in international aid.
“We are writing a new history today, my brothers,” said Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of HTS, speaking to a jubilant crowd at Damascus’ Umayyad Mosque on Sunday. “With hard work, Syria will become a beacon for the Islamic nation.”
The future of Syria is deeply uncertain. The country is home to a variety of religious sects, including the majority Sunni Muslims, Christians, and Alawites — the sect to which Assad belongs. Any future government will need to navigate these deep sectarian divisions.
In a statement to Sky News Arabia, Assad’s former prime minister, Mohammed Jalali, expressed willingness to meet with Golani and assist in the transfer of power. “What concerns us today is the continuation of services for Syrians,” he said, acknowledging the fragile state of the country.
The regime’s downfall has led to an outpouring of emotion across Syria, particularly among the long-imprisoned political dissidents. The harshest police state in the Middle East has now crumbled, and newly freed prisoners were seen flooding the streets of Damascus, weeping and waving their hands to show how many years they had spent behind bars.
The White Helmets rescue group has launched efforts to locate remaining detainees believed to be held in hidden cells. Meanwhile, Damascus remains under a curfew, with the city eerily quiet on Monday morning, save for the presence of rebels and fighters from the northwestern Idlib province, where the offensive began 12 days ago.
One of the fighters, Firdous Omar, who has been involved in the battle since 2011, shared a moment of optimism, saying, “We had a purpose and a goal, and now we are done with it. We want the state and security forces to be in charge.” For Omar and many others, the victory marks the end of a long fight for freedom, and the hope for a peaceful future is now in their hands.
The international reaction has been swift, with celebrations erupting among the Syrian diaspora. In cities like Sydney, people paraded in cars, waving Syrian flags, dancing in the streets, and celebrating the end of an era. However, the events have also raised concerns about regional instability, especially with ongoing conflicts in Gaza, and Lebanon, and the growing tension between Israel and Iran.
In response to the turmoil, Israel has deployed tanks to the Syrian border to prevent any spillover of conflict but has stated that it intends to remain uninvolved in the situation. Similarly, the U.S. Central Command launched airstrikes against Islamic State camps in central Syria.
Syria’s civil war, which began in 2011 as an uprising against Assad’s regime, has led to widespread destruction and one of the worst refugee crises in modern history. With millions of refugees living in camps across the Middle East, the future of Syria’s displaced citizens remains uncertain.
The overthrow of the Assad regime signals a turning point, but the true test lies in rebuilding the country and ensuring the safety and stability of its people. For many, it’s a time of great hope but also deep uncertainty as they navigate the next steps in Syria’s long and painful journey toward peace.
Gary P Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
