Part 4/9:

Reports from Damascus portrayed scenes of jubilation; civilians flooded the streets to celebrate the fall of Assad. There were scenes of ecstatic crowds engaging in celebratory gunfire and singing songs of freedom. Such jubilant public demonstrations of hope come from a place of deep suffering, as Syrian citizens have endured tremendous hardship under years of oppressive rule. Yet, amid the celebrations, the pervasive fear of the unknown looms large.

What follows the fall of a government with deep roots and influence in the region remains to be seen. Richard Engel, reporting from Syria, noted the presence of rebel fighters receiving hero’s welcomes, suggesting a legacy of struggle might be transforming into a new phase of conflict, as various factions vied for power and influence.