What's happened
Following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, Syria enters a precarious phase as rebel forces establish control. The international community, particularly the U.S., is reassessing its role amid fears of chaos and the resurgence of extremist groups. The situation remains fluid with no clear governance plan in sight.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, rebel fighters are now directing traffic and managing public spaces in a show of authority, but they face the daunting task of controlling a country rife with ethnic and sectarian divisions. Business Insider UK highlights that the U.S. sees this as a 'historic opportunity' to diminish Iranian influence, yet analysts caution that the U.S. must tread carefully to avoid chaos. The situation is further complicated by the absence of a governance plan, as noted by the New York Times, which emphasizes the need for a national conference to address the future of Syria. The conflicting perspectives underscore the uncertainty surrounding the region's stability and the potential for renewed violence.
How we got here
The Syrian civil war, which began in 2011, has seen Assad's regime supported by foreign powers like Iran and Russia. Recent shifts in regional dynamics, including Israel's actions against Hezbollah, have contributed to the rebels' unexpected success in seizing control of Damascus.
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