Fall of Bashar al-Assad's Regime in Syria

The recent escalation in Syria has resulted in the fall of President Bashar al-Assad's regime after 13 years of civil war, with rebel forces overtaking the capital, Damascus, in a matter of days. The conflict, which began in 2011 during the Arab Spring, saw initial protests met with severe governmental repression that led to a prolonged stalemate until now. The swift actions of Islamist rebel groups have taken many by surprise, with reports suggesting that Assad fled to Russia as his regime crumbled. This unexpected shift raises questions about the future governance of Syria, particularly regarding the treatment of minorities and the stability of the newly formed leadership.