One year since the fall of Bashar al-Assad

Syrians have taken to the streets to celebrate the first anniversary of the long-reigning Bashar al-Assad's overthrow, amid new optimism that conditions will continue to improve as the country recovers from the effects of nearly 13 years of war. 
 
On Monday, fireworks sounded and flags were displayed across cities across the country, as a year passed since opposition forces ended the Assad dynasty’s 53-year rule following an 11-day lightning strike. 
 
Assad fled from Syria to Russia a year ago, and Sharaa’s rebels captured Damascus after an eight-day attack across the country, ending his rule more than 13 years after an uprising turned into a bitter civil war. 
 
The new leader, President Ahmed al-Sharaa, told a large crowd of supporters that his government "has set a clear vision for a new Syria as a state looking forward to a promising future," calling it "a historic break from a dark section." 
 
Speaking at a press conference in Damascus, President Ahmed al-Sharaa praised those who fought to overthrow the old regime. 
 
"You are shaping a story of courage for those who are now in the heart of history here," he said. 
 
"Today we celebrate a year of returning the country to greatness once again by liberating Syria from the shackles of tyranny and dictatorship. Stand with your head held high. We had lost our homeland for more than fifty years when this gang tried to introduce its civilisation, history and traditions." 
 
Previously, al-Sharaa, dressed in a military uniform, performed the dawn prayer at the Umayyad Mosque to commemorate the anniversary. "No matter how big or strong they are, no one will be able to stand in front of us," he said. 
 
"I hope we will face all the difficulties. We will rebuild a strong Syria, from north to south, from east to west, worthy of its present and past, a Syria that supports the oppressed and establishes justice among the people." 
 
Military parades organised by the Ministry of Defence took place in Damascus and in many provinces, including Hama, Homs and Deir Az Zor. 
 
FOUR MORE YEARS OF TRANSITION BEFORE THE ELECTIONS 
 
Sharaa said at a forum in Qatar over the weekend that despite the violence, "Syria is experiencing its best times" and said that those responsible will be held accountable. 
 
He said a transition period ruled by him would continue for another four years, establishing institutions, laws and a new constitution—subject to a popular vote—at which point the country will hold elections. 
 
Sharaa has broad powers under a provisional constitution approved in March. Authorities held an indirect vote to form a parliament in October, but Sharaa has not yet appointed a third of the 210 members according to the constitution. 
 
The Assad family, members of Syria’s Alevi minority community, ruled Syria for 54 years. 
 
Since 2011, the Syrian war has killed hundreds of thousands of people and displaced millions, directing about five million as refugees to neighbouring countries. 
 
The UN refugee agency said on Monday that since the overthrow of Assad, about 1.2 million refugees, in addition to internally displaced people, have gone home, but the decline in global finance could deter others. 
 
Speaking at a conference last week, the head of the Syrian central bank said that the return of about 1.5 million refugees helped the economy grow. 
 
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says humanitarian needs are acute across Syria and that about 16.5 million people need help by 2025. 
 
Syria received international support on its anniversary, and United Nations president Antonio Guterres reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to ensuring the success of Syria's political transition. 
 
REFERENCES 
 
Al Jazeera. (2025, December 8). With flags and fireworks, Syrians celebrate one year since fall of al-Assad. Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/12/8/with-flags-and-fireworks-syrians-celebrate-one-year-since-fall-of-al-assad 
 
Reuters. (2025, December 8). Syria marks one year since Assad toppled. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/syria-mark-one-year-since-assad-toppled-2025-12-08/