Bashar al-Assad's Regime Falls: What’s Next for Syria?

In a dramatic turn of events, the regime of Bashar al-Assad, which has held power for 53 years, has reportedly fallen following a swift offensive by various radical groups. This pivotal moment in Syrian history began on November 27, when a coalition of rebel factions launched an assault that quickly dismantled Assad's longstanding rule. Witnesses describe how members of the Syrian Army seemingly abandoned their posts in a manner reminiscent of the rapid fall of the Iraqi regime in 2014, sparking speculation about secret deals made prior to the offensive. Furthermore, there are unconfirmed reports that Assad may have fled the country or even met his end during the chaos, with claims of a plane being shot down while allegedly carrying him away from Damascus. With the future unclear, the acting prime minister of Syria is striving to manage the transition while Russia, crucial in the previous regime’s support, is intensely contemplating its next steps. The situation remains fraught with potential for unrest as various factions vie for control. The immediate concern revolves around how the new regime will handle the remnants of the Syrian military and the demands for retribution from individuals harmed by the Assad regime. The possibility of a violent insurrection looms large, paralleling historical instances in Iraq post-Saddam.