Overwhelming joy flooded the streets of Syria even before the official announcement of president Bashar Al-Assad’s departure. Syrians celebrated the end of the totalitarian regime that had ruled their country for 53 years, since Hafez Al-Assad’s rise to power in 1971 and passed to his son on his death in 2000. Bashar launched a war against his own people because they called for freedom and reducing the power of the security services.

The violent military response the regime adopted over the past 13 years resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths and the destruction of countless homes. This made Syrians furious, not only those who fled abroad but also those who remained in the country. It appeared that all Syrians were anticipating this change and welcomed it, despite the speed and unexpected nature of the transition.

Following the regime’s fall, Syria has remained largely stable, and Syrian cities did not experience the violence and retribution that many had feared. The Joint Military Operations Room, led by Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), sought to reassure Syrians, neighbouring countries and the international community. It issued numerous moderate statements, saying that it would not target any sects, would ensure everyone’s protection, and would maintain order without disrupting or vandalising state institutions.

The HTS declared that the future Syria would belong to “all its citizens, promoting dignity and honour regardless of ethnic, religious, or racial affiliation”. Security is prioritised, and Syrians are encouraged to coexist and allow state institutions to continue functioning, the HTS added. Furthermore, the group reassured neighbouring countries that it had no intention to interfere in their affairs, and they were invited to establish positive relations. The HTS also called on Syrians to return and contribute to the reconstruction of their homeland.

No widespread riots were reported, and state institutions have remained intact. Thousands of detainees were released while Damascus remained secure. The opposition seized control of official Syrian television, using it to broadcast the regime’s fall. An announcement declared Syria a “state of law committed to upholding dignity, justice, and comprehensive societal reconciliation based on principles of accountability”.

The political wing of the HTS engaged with foreign diplomats in Syria, stressing their commitment to their safety and expressing desire for amicable relations with their respective nations. Only the Iranian and Iraqi embassies were fully evacuated.

Although some instances of chaos were reported in Damascus during this transitional phase, they were limited. Opposition leaders imposed a 13-hour curfew lasting a week and appealed to citizens to safeguard state institutions. A list of strict penalties for violations against state or private property was published, and police units were rapidly deployed to maintain order.

The fall of the Syrian regime has so far occurred without descending into widespread chaos or setbacks, sparking optimism and a climate of hope. Syrians now need to translate this military shift into a comprehensive political transformation. However, in the immediate aftermath of the regime’s collapse, uncertainties loom over the framework for political transition, the mechanism of governance during the interim phase, and the future of UN Security Council Resolution 2254 which some leading European countries, the US and the UN are still calling for implementing. It is still unclear whether the resolution can be implemented now that the regime has fallen, or will require amendments. Questions also persist as to whether the resolution will be set aside in favour of a process left entirely to the Syrians, despite the political risks such an approach entails.

At this stage, Syrians are prioritising the spread of security, preventing crime and sabotage, safeguarding state institutions, preventing the disruption of jobs, and fostering reconciliation and tolerance. Yet their focus is also trained on the future, which they approach cautiously. They preemtively reject a “revolution against a revolution” or the emergence of another tyrannical regime. Instead, they aspire to establish a civil, democratic, pluralistic state with a commitment to power rotation.

Moreover, the release of detainees, whose numbers remain unknown, is a major part of the process, as is locating and dismantling secret prisons and uncovering the fate of tens of thousands of forcibly disappeared individuals. Efforts are underway to preserve evidence for prosecuting members of the former regime responsible for crimes and abuses, particularly those perpetrated against prisoners, and to search for those forcibly disappeared, numbering in the tens of thousands.

UN investigators tasked with documenting war crimes in Syria have described the fall of Al-Assad as a “historic new beginning” for Syrians and urged the new leadership to ensure the atrocities of his regime are not repeated. International human rights organisations stressed the importance of preserving evidence and documents to ensure accountability and justice for past violations.

Representing the Syrian political opposition under the National Coalition for Revolutionary and Opposition Forces, Hadi Al-Bahra called for “an 18-month transitional period to establish a safe, neutral, and stable environment conducive to holding free elections.” He proposed that “within the first six months, a draft constitution should be prepared to define whether Syria will adopt a parliamentary, presidential, or mixed political system. Based on this framework, elections would be conducted, allowing the Syrian people to choose their leader.”

In the interim, state employees are expected to resume their duties uninterrupted, with assurances that no harm will come to them. Civil society activities are expected to resume within days, and the previously closed borders with Jordan and Lebanon are set to reopen. Successive decisions outlining the contours of Syria’s future governance are likely to follow, potentially gaining broad acceptance across Syrian military and political factions.

Syrians hope to avoid significant political discord during this critical juncture, fearing a return to the cycles of political stagnation or authoritarian rule they endured over the past 14 years.

International responses poured in, largely welcoming the regime’s collapse and the freeing of the people of Syria. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said, “Syria has reached a stage where the Syrian people will shape the future of their own country. Today there is hope.” He added that Turkey was ready to assist in healing Syria’s wounds and preserving its unity and security.

UN Special Envoy to Syria Geir Pedersen described the war in Syria as a “dark chapter” that “has left deep scars”. “Today we look forward with cautious hope to the opening of a new one – one of peace, reconciliation, dignity and inclusion for all Syrians… [who have] endured nearly 14 years of relentless suffering and unspeakable loss.”

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed “great relief” over the fall of Al-Assad’s rule, calling it “good news.” However, he cautioned against the potential rise of “extremists” and called for a comprehensive political solution.

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the fall of the “barbaric state” in Syria, expressing Paris’ commitment to ensuring “the security of all” during this “moment of uncertainty.” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed the collapse of the “barbaric regime,” urging efforts to “restore peace and stability” to Syria. European Union Foreign Minister Kaya Kallas described Al-Assad’s downfall as “positive” and “long overdue.” She reiterated the EU’s priority of “ensuring security” while expressing readiness to contribute to the rebuilding of a Syrian state that “protects all minorities.”

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said: “This is a moment of joy but also uncertainty for the people of Syria and the region. We hope for a peaceful transition of power and an inclusive Syrian-led political process.”

UN Secretary General António Guterres welcomed the end of the “dictatorial regime”, reiterating the importance of protecting “the rights of all Syrians” and calling for calm during this sensitive period. He noted, “there is much work to be done to ensure an orderly political transition.”

US President Joe Biden characterised Al-Assad’s fall as a “historic opportunity” for Syrians to “build a better future.” However, he cautioned against “ambiguity, dangers, and uncertainty.”  Biden affirmed the US’ commitment to collaborating with all Syrian groups during the transitional phase, including through the UN-led process, with the aim of establishing a sovereign Syria governed by a new constitution.

Many leading Arab countries welcomed the development, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. They called on Syrians to overcome any lingering fears, affirming the need for reassurances that those assuming leadership during the transition would prioritise unity, freedom, and good neighbourliness.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 12 December, 2024 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly