Syrian rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), destroyed the tomb of Hafez al-Assad, Bashar al-Assad’s father, in Qardaha. This followed a rapid rebel offensive that ousted the Assad regime, with Bashar al-Assad fleeing to Russia. The fall of the Assad regime has prompted international reactions, including blame from Iran and Israeli air strikes targeting Syrian military assets. Meanwhile, Damascus is showing signs of life returning to normal, although many citizens still grapple with the aftermath of the conflict.
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Syrian rebels have successfully toppled President Assad’s regime, marking a dramatic end to his decades-long rule. This unexpected turn of events, happening in a matter of weeks, has sent shockwaves throughout the region and beyond. The speed of the regime’s collapse is particularly striking, given the years of intense conflict and the substantial backing Assad received from Russia and Iran. The sheer scale of human suffering and infrastructural damage sustained over more than a decade seems, to many, to have been completely wasted.
The prime minister’s subsequent call for free elections presents a glimmer of hope for the future of Syria.… Continue reading
On December 8th, Syrian rebels announced the capture of Damascus, claiming President Bashar al-Assad had fled. The rebels also reported liberating Saydnaya prison, notorious for human rights abuses. Damascus International Airport ceased operations, and social media showed mass exodus attempts. While the Syrian government denies Assad’s departure, the Prime Minister offered to cooperate with a transitional government.
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Following a surprisingly swift rebel advance, the Biden administration assesses a high likelihood of Bashar al-Assad’s regime falling within days. This assessment, while not yet formal, stems from the regime’s forces largely abandoning the fight, leaving a weak defense of Damascus. Concerns exist regarding the safety of Assad’s chemical weapons stockpile and the potential impact on US troops in the region, particularly given the involvement of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a group designated as a terrorist organization. The US is currently monitoring the situation and taking additional force protection measures. The speed of the rebel advance has caught the administration off guard, prompting concerns similar to those following the fall of Kabul and the initial invasion of Ukraine.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood