Today in Focus Inside Damascus after the fall of Bashar al-Assad
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Dec 10, 2024 
William Christou, Foreign correspondent for The Guardian, shares his insights from Damascus, reporting on the aftermath of Bashar al-Assad's fall. He captures the exhilarating yet chaotic atmosphere following the regime's collapse, with citizens celebrating newfound freedom amidst lingering fear. Anas al-Drooby, a telecom engineer and recent returnee, reflects on the emotional scars and the hope for a better future. Their discussion delves into life under oppressive rule, the challenges of rebuilding, and the complexities of navigating a fragmented society.
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Entering Damascus
- Will Christou drove into Damascus after Assad's fall, witnessing celebrations and eerie remnants of the regime.
- Burned-out tanks, Assad billboards, and deserted checkpoints marked the journey.
Assad's Fall
- The fall of the Assad regime, a 50-year dictatorship marked by brutal repression, is a momentous event.
- Syrians express disbelief and relief, with some feeling their losses were not in vain.
Inside Saidnaya
- Christou entered the notorious Saidnaya prison after its liberation, witnessing chaotic scenes of families searching for loved ones.
- The prison's medieval conditions and handwritten record books highlighted the regime's brutality.