Syria: A Year After Assad, a Nation in Transition

Lead

One year after the fall of the Assad regime, Syria stands at the crossroads of transformation and tumult. The nation celebrated the first anniversary of a post-Assad era on Monday, marked by fireworks, music and the country's new flag waving from balconies. The new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has made strides towards international recognition, but faces significant challenges domestically, including addressing the plight of missing detainees and the country's economic recovery.

Background

Formerly a leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a jihadist group with an al-Qaida lineage, al-Sharaa has made a total of 21 public international trips to 13 countries since his inauguration on January 29, 2025¹. His administration has been described as a potential diplomatic success, with significant international engagement including a visit to the UN general assembly, the climate change conference in Brazil, and numerous Arab summits¹.

The fall of the Assad regime has been likened to the collapse of the Berlin Wall, signifying a watershed moment in the Middle East². This has been followed by a wave of transformations and historic firsts that have redrawn Syria's political landscape, culminating in a diplomatic breakthrough with the United States³.

Key Developments

On the domestic front, however, al-Sharaa faces numerous obstacles. One of the major issues is the displacement of millions of Syrians, despite the return of over 1.2 million exiled citizens⁴⁵. The country also grapples with the lack of closure for families of missing detainees⁶⁴.

Women's participation in politics remains limited, with only six out of 119 seats in the newly elected Syrian parliament held by women⁷. In addition, the economic recovery of the country poses a significant challenge, with questions around the cost of rebuilding the nation⁴.

Reactions and Implications

The anniversary of Assad's fall was met with mixed reactions. While many rejoiced, marking the occasion with special prayers, fireworks, and celebratory music²⁵, the mood remains mixed among the Christian, Druze, Alawite minorities, and regions administered by the Kurds⁵.

In terms of international relations, the US has signaled a new era, with indications of rolling back the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, viewed as the most restrictive sanctions on Syria since its enactment in 2019³.

Current Status

Despite the challenges, Syrians remain hopeful. I belong in my own country, said one citizen, reflecting the sentiment of many Syrians as they celebrate one year since the fall of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad⁴. However, the journey to justice and stability remains a difficult one, with al-Sharaa’s new leadership facing the danger of Syrians frustrated by justice delayed or denied⁴.