The Fall of Assad and Its Immediate Impact

The collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime after 13 years of civil war represents a significant and historic shift in Syria. Celebrations erupted on the streets of Damascus as rebels swiftly took control of the capital, marking an end to a long period characterized by violence, oppression, and brutality. The swift nature of this takeover, with rebels advancing rapidly through key cities, suggests a lack of loyalty among Assad's military and a weakened support structure, particularly as key allies like Russia and Iran were distracted by their own conflicts. This change in power dynamics raises pressing questions about Syria's future governance and the potential for either peace or further conflict among rebel factions.