Bashar al-Assad Falls in Syria: Ending a 50-Year Nightmare in Damascus, What’s Next?

On Monday, December 9, a jubilant Syrian crowd gathered in central Damascus to celebrate the fall of Bashar al-Assad following the lifting of the nighttime curfew. What will be the implications of this significant event?

A New Era for Syria

Joyous crowds flooded the streets of downtown Damascus on Monday, December 9th, marking a pivotal moment in Syrian history. The celebrations followed the downfall of Bashar al-Assad, who had ruled uncontested for almost half a century. This newfound freedom was highlighted by the lifting of the nighttime curfew.

A President Flees, A Nation Rejoices

The ousted president, Bashar al-Assad, has sought asylum in Moscow after being driven from his country by a dramatic offensive from Islamist rebels. Meanwhile, Syrians continue to revel in their joy, particularly flocking to the Umayyad Square, the hub of celebrations.

A large number of rebel fighters gathered at this iconic square, joined by civilians who drove there to celebrate the end of the Assad era. An AFP journalist witnessed these vibrant scenes.

“We are Reborn”

“It’s indescribable, we never thought this nightmare would end, we are reborn,” exclaims Rim Ramadan, a 49-year-old employee at the Ministry of Finance. She captures the liberating feeling shared by many Syrians.

For 55 years we were scared to even speak at home, fearing the walls had ears. It feels like living a dream.

Rim Ramadan

From the Umayyad Square, where the crowd was celebrating, smoke could be seen rising from security buildings that were torched the night before.

The Day After

Earlier at dawn, the city was nearly deserted. The curfew, which lasted until 5 a.m., had just been lifted, an AFP journalist reports. A calm before the storm of joy that would sweep over Damascus.