What's happened
On December 8, 2024, Bashar al-Assad's regime collapsed as he fled to Moscow, ending 54 years of family rule. Celebrations erupted in Damascus as rebels advanced, freeing prisoners and dismantling symbols of the regime. The transition was marked by jubilation and uncertainty about Syria's future.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, the fall of Assad has led to jubilant celebrations in Syria, with many expressing disbelief at the sudden change. Journalist Kyri Evangelou noted that the regime's collapse was marked by a rapid rebel advance, freeing thousands from prisons. Meanwhile, The Mirror highlighted mixed feelings among Syrian exiles in the UK, with concerns about the future political landscape and the role of HTS. Bel Trew from The Independent emphasized the unexpected nature of Assad's ousting and the potential for a new beginning for Syria, while also cautioning about the challenges ahead.
How we got here
The Syrian civil war began in 2011 when protests against Assad's regime were violently suppressed. Over the years, various factions, including the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), emerged, leading to a complex conflict involving foreign powers and millions of displaced people.
Common question
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What Happened After Bashar al-Assad's Regime Collapsed in Syria?
The recent collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime marks a significant turning point in Syria's tumultuous history. As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this monumental event, many questions arise about the future of the country, the reactions of its citizens, and the new political landscape. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this historic moment.
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Bashar Hafez al-Assad is a Syrian politician who has been the President of Syria since 17 July 2000. In addition, he is commander-in-chief of the Syrian Armed Forces and Regional Secretary of the Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party's branch in Syria.
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Syria, officially the Syrian Arab Republic, is a country in Western Asia, bordering Lebanon to the southwest, the Mediterranean Sea to the west, Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Israel to the southwest.
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Damascus; Arabic: دمشق, romanized: Dimašq, Syrian Arabic: is the capital of Syria; it is also the country's largest city, following the decline in population of Aleppo due to the battle for the city.
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Hezbollah is a Shia Islamist political party and militant group based in Lebanon. Hezbollah's paramilitary wing is the Jihad Council, and its political wing is the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc party in the Lebanese parliament.
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Idlib is a city in northwestern Syria, which is the capital of the Idlib Governorate. It has an elevation of nearly 500 meters above sea level, and is 59 kilometers southwest of Aleppo.
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.