Free after 21 years in Assad prisons, a Syrian adjusts to being home

Syrians celebrated the one-year anniversary of Bashar al-Assad's overthrow on Monday, December 8, 2025, with parades and fireworks in Damascus. The celebrations mark the end of Assad's decades-long dictatorial rule and the civil war that began in 2011. Despite the newfound freedom, the country faces challenges including sectarian violence, economic hardship, and security concerns. The new leadership, including President Ahmed al-Shara, is working to build equitable institutions and navigate regional and social divisions. Celebrations included military expos and billboards promoting unity and the end of oppression.

One year after Bashar al-Assad fled to Moscow, ending decades of his family's rule in Syria, the country faces significant challenges in its transition. In December 2025, the Inside Story program examined the new government's efforts to rebuild Syria after 14 years of civil war. While the initial ousting of al-Assad's regime by Ahmed al-Sharaa's group was met with optimism, the country now grapples with sectarian tensions, widespread poverty, and demands for accountability regarding past atrocities. Experts from Chatham House, Omran Center for Strategic Studies, and the International Crisis Group discussed the government's progress and the obstacles it faces in achieving unity and real change in Syria. The program questioned whether the new government can overcome these hurdles and what lessons can be learned from its actions thus far.

One year after Bashar al-Assad's 24-year rule ended on December 8, 2024, Syria is struggling with the aftermath of a 13-year civil war. Assad stepped down as president and fled to Russia, leading to a significant political shift in the Middle East. While the interim government pledged to protect all citizens, sectarian violence persists, with hundreds of Alawite and Druze minorities killed, sometimes by government forces. The BBC's Middle East correspondent, Hugo Bachega, is currently in Damascus, Syria, gathering perspectives from Syrians about the changes they have experienced since the revolution. The focus is on understanding the social, political, and emotional impact of the past year.

One year after Bashar al-Assad's 53-year regime fell in Syria following an 11-day rebel offensive, the country struggles with lasting effects of the 14-year civil war. While Syrians celebrated the anniversary of Assad's ousting and his family's exile to Moscow, the nation remains divided and faces challenges in achieving justice and stability. Despite promises of reconstruction and a "strong and just Syria" by President Ahmad al-Sharaa, many Syrians express concerns about holding perpetrators of violence accountable due to lack of evidence. The cycle of violence continues, as evidenced by attacks like the one that killed Riham Hamouyeh in Homs. The country grapples with a difficult transition towards lasting peace and reconciliation.

One year after the fall of al-Assad, Syria's new government faces challenges in delivering justice, risking further instability. Ziad al-Amayiri, who lost 10 family members, threatens to take matters into his own hands if the government fails to hold Fadi Saqr accountable. Saqr, a former commander of a pro-Assad militia accused of atrocities like the 2013 Tadamon massacre, was granted safe passage by the new leadership to ease tensions with Alawite groups. This decision has angered many Syrians, particularly in Tadamon, who demand Saqr's trial. The government's struggle to balance civil peace with justice for past crimes is fueling frustration and sectarian tensions across Syria.

Syria has registered its first Jewish organization, the Jewish Heritage in Syria Foundation (JHS), marking a historic moment for the country. Approved by Syria's minister of social affairs and labor, the registration allows JHS to operate officially within Syria, protect Jewish sites, coordinate the return of Jewish properties, and facilitate Jewish delegations. The move aims to restore the rights and heritage of Syrian Jews, who have faced restrictions and emigration since 1948, leading to a significant decline in the community and destruction of synagogues. JHS, led by Syrian American Jew Henry Hamra, plans to restore synagogues and encourage tourism to showcase Syria's Jewish heritage. The registration is viewed as a step toward a more inclusive society and long-term peace and stability.

In December 2025, Al Jazeera published a video diary by Baraa Obied, a Syrian man who was internally displaced during the Syrian war. The video documents Obied's return to his home in Damascus. One year after the fall of the Assad regime, Obied's diary illustrates the gradual return to normalcy in the Syrian capital. The video provides an on-the-ground perspective of daily life in Damascus as the city recovers from the war. Obied's account offers a glimpse into the ongoing recovery process in Syria.

One year after the fall of Bashar al-Assad, Syrians in Damascus are reportedly celebrating. According to a news report published on December 8, 2025, residents are experiencing a newfound sense of freedom and safety. This marks a significant shift after decades of oppression under Assad's rule and years of war. The reported celebrations reflect a desire for national renewal within the Syrian capital. The change in atmosphere suggests a move away from the fear that characterized life under the previous regime.

In December 2025, Mohamad Yamen, a 20-year-old from Damascus, Syria, reflected on the first anniversary of Bashar al-Assad's fall. As a child, Yamen and his family fled Jobar in 2013 after the Assad regime destroyed it, relocating to Damascus. On December 8, 2024, Yamen joined jubilant crowds in the streets of Damascus as rebel forces advanced on the capital, marking the end of the regime. He recalls the joy and chaos of that night, with defected soldiers abandoning their posts. Yamen then witnessed Ahmed al-Sharaa, the future president, entering the Umayyad Mosque. He expressed hope for liberation for others, including the people of Palestine.

A United Nations Security Council (UNSC) delegation arrived in Syria on December 4, 2025, for its first visit to the country. The trip coincides with the upcoming one-year anniversary of Bashar al-Assad's ousting. The delegation, after crossing from Lebanon, is scheduled to meet with Syrian officials, including President Ahmed al-Sharaa, and members of civil society in Damascus. The UNSC recently lifted sanctions against al-Sharaa, a former rebel leader. The UN aims to bolster ties with Syria and encourage an inclusive transition, as the new government prioritizes international legitimacy and works to prevent sectarian violence. The delegation will also visit Lebanon following their stay in Syria.

In December 2025, former US President Donald Trump urged Israel to maintain dialogue with Syria following recent Israeli incursions and strikes that killed 13 people. Trump stated on Truth Social that actions should not interfere with Syria's evolution into a prosperous state. He praised the new Syrian government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has vowed to unify the country after years of civil war. Trump expressed satisfaction with Syria's progress and affirmed the US commitment to supporting its development. He also characterized al-Sharaa as a regional leader promoting stability between Syria and Israel, expressing hope for a long and prosperous relationship between the two countries.

In December 2025, former US President Donald Trump urged Israel to maintain dialogue with Syria following recent Israeli incursions and strikes that killed 13 people. Trump stated on Truth Social that actions should not interfere with Syria's evolution into a prosperous state. He praised the new Syrian government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has vowed to unify the country after years of civil war. Trump expressed satisfaction with Syria's progress and affirmed the US commitment to supporting its development. He also characterized al-Sharaa as a regional leader promoting stability between Syria and Israel, expressing hope for a long and prosperous relationship between the two countries.

Syria's interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, accused Israel of aggression and exporting crises at an international conference in Doha. He cited frequent Israeli airstrikes and incursions into southern Syria since the Gaza war, claiming over 1,000 airstrikes and 400 incursions. Sharaa warned against altering the 1974 disengagement agreement, fearing dangerous consequences, and stated Syria has been sending positive messages to Israel regarding regional peace. He criticized Israel for justifying aggression based on security concerns and extrapolating the October 7th attacks. Sharaa also mentioned negotiations, involving the US, for Israel's withdrawal to pre-December 8th borders and expressed concern about who would protect a proposed demilitarized zone.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, speaking at the Doha Forum in Qatar on December 6, 2025, accused Israel of fabricating threats and escalating regional tensions to justify military actions in Syria and divert attention from its actions in Gaza. Al-Sharaa stated that since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, Israel has increased air strikes and ground operations within Syria, resulting in numerous casualties and territorial violations. He emphasized that his administration has attempted to de-escalate tensions and promote regional stability, but Israel has responded with increased violence. Al-Sharaa called for Israel to withdraw from Syrian territory.

In December 2025, Canada removed Syria from its list of states that support terrorism, following a similar action by the United States and citing the Syrian government's efforts to stabilize the country. The decision coincides with the one-year anniversary of Bashar al-Assad's removal from power. Canada also revoked the terrorist designation for Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the group instrumental in removing al-Assad, to facilitate collaboration with the new Syrian government. The Canadian foreign ministry stated that these measures align with decisions made by allies and reflect the Syrian transitional government's commitment to stability and counter-terrorism efforts. While removing the state-sponsored terrorism designation, Canada will maintain sanctions on 56 Syrian individuals, including former officials and members of al-Assad's family.