Overnight, news of Damascus’ fall sent waves of excitement and anxiety through Syrians, particularly those living in neighboring Lebanon. Crowds rushed to the Masnaa border crossing, hoping to return to their homeland. On the other side, fear gripped Assad loyalists, unsure of their fate under the new regime.
Hussein, a supporter of Assad, expressed his dread:
“Anybody who used to work with the regime or the army, they say they are going to give them a safe exit, but nobody knows. If it’s not true, they’re going to pay the consequences.”
Inside Syria, the road to Damascus bore signs of a collapsing regime: abandoned tanks, military jeeps, and discarded army uniforms. Civilians poured into the streets, celebrating the end of five decades of authoritarian rule under the Assad family.
In Umayyad Square, scenes of jubilation were mixed with chaos. Armed men fired into the air, while one elderly woman wept in gratitude:
“Thank you, thank you. The tyrant has fallen!”
The Dynamics of Assad’s Fall
The swift collapse of Assad’s regime was fueled by the coordinated efforts of rebel forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied factions. The offensive began with the capture of Aleppo and progressed rapidly south, overtaking key cities like Hama and Homs. Assad’s military, weakened by years of attrition and reduced foreign support, offered little resistance.
Key Factors in the Regime’s Downfall
Foreign Shifts:
- Russia: Preoccupied with the conflict in Ukraine, reducing its military and logistical support.
- Iran: Strained by Israeli airstrikes targeting its commanders and supply chains.
- Hezbollah: Weakened by ongoing regional tensions.
Economic Hardships: Years of sanctions and war depleted Assad’s resources, leaving his forces vulnerable.
Rebel Unity: The rebels, though ideologically diverse, capitalized on the regime’s vulnerabilities to seize control swiftly.
Joy, Fear, and Uncertainty
While many Syrians celebrated newfound freedom, others expressed fears about the power vacuum and lack of governance. Looting and lawlessness in Damascus underscored the need for a stable transition.
Alaa Dadouch, a Damascus resident, reflected on the situation:
“You can actually breathe, you can walk around. You can actually give your opinion. But the transition has to happen in a proper way.”
Global Reactions
The international response to Assad’s fall was cautious:
- United States: Urged a peaceful transition and pledged to work with regional partners for stability.
- Russia: Expressed concerns over a power vacuum but refrained from further involvement.
- Turkey: Welcomed Assad’s fall but emphasized the need to curb extremist influence.
- Neighboring Nations: Heightened border security to manage potential refugee flows.
Syria’s Path Forward
The end of Assad’s regime presents both challenges and opportunities for Syria:
- Political Transition: Establishing an inclusive and representative government is critical.
- Humanitarian Relief: Addressing the needs of millions of displaced Syrians is an urgent priority.
- Security: Preventing extremist factions from exploiting the transitional period is essential.
Despite the uncertainties, Syrians are cautiously optimistic about building a brighter, freer future. The global community’s support will play a crucial role in shaping the nation’s recovery and stability.
