Assad's Reign Ends: Rebel Forces Overthrow Decades-Long Rule in Syria

The unexpected fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has ushered in a new chapter for Syria after 13 years of civil war and more than five decades of autocratic, Assad-family rule. The swift military advance of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) toppled the regime, sparking jubilation across the country and among Syrian exiles. Despite the excitement, the journey ahead is filled with obstacles. Assad’s departure has created a power vacuum that destabilizes the region, the economy is in shambles, millions of refugees need to be re-integrated, and HTS is still labeled as a terrorist organization by many nations. 

Wilson Center Middle East Program Fellow Steven Heydemann offers analysis of what this moment means for Syria and its people. He covers the swift overthrow and its impact on Syria and the Middle East, the early, promising steps toward an inclusive interim government, and the cautious optimism regarding the rebel coalition's governance, despite its controversial history.