The Global Story The final hours of the Assad regime
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Dec 9, 2024 Lina Sinjab, a BBC Middle East correspondent and a Syrian national, recounts her first-hand experiences in a freshly liberated Damascus after President Bashar al-Assad's flight. She paints a vivid picture of celebrations mixed with chaos as rebels close in on the capital. Meanwhile, Lyse Doucet, BBC's Chief International Correspondent, analyzes the implications of this regime change for Syria's future. Together, they discuss the emotional turmoil of civilians, the hope for democracy, and the complex geopolitical dynamics shaping the region.
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Meeting Assad
- Lyse Doucet recalls meeting Bashar al-Assad shortly after he succeeded his father.
- She notes his newfound confidence and the unsettling experience of interviewing him.
Assad's Fall
- Assad's fall is surprising given his powerful allies and control.
- The rebels' swift advance and lack of resistance highlight this unexpected turn.
Distracted Allies
- The rebels' unexpected success is partly due to the distraction of Assad's allies, Iran and Russia.
- These global events created an opportunity for the swift regime change.