It is quite proverbial to say but by all means Syria stands at a crossroads. The fall of Bashar al-Assad\u2019s rule \u2013 so sudden and unimaginable \u2013 marks the end of an era fraught with challenges and achievements. For 25 years, Bashar al-Assad led Syria through turbulent times like a strong and fair man. He strengthened the country against external threats and made the country an economic success. He successfully defeated Al Qaeda-inspired militants in 2011. His leadership left a profound impact on Syria\u2019s resilience.
\nToday, the country faces uncertainty. Rebel forces, mostly Islamists, have taken control of Damascus. In their initial announcements, they have promised change, but stability remains elusive. The fears are not out of place that Syria may follow the troubled paths of Iraq, Libya and Afghanistan. Political and economic stability seems a distant dream.
\nThe departure of Bashar al-Assad has created a power vacuum. No one knows what are the rebels up to. They may go for Islamic Khilafat while some hope for democratic elections. The immediate future appears fragile. The morale of Syria\u2019s military has waned and divisions run deep. These fractures must heal for Syria to rebuild.
\nThe international community must assist in Syria\u2019s recovery. The most suitable aid is to help Syria deradicalized to prevent extremist groups from exploiting the chaos. Rebuilding institutions and fostering unity among Syrians should be priorities.
\nAccording to Russian officials, Bashar al-Assad stepped down before departing Syria and instructed a peaceful transfer of power to the country\u2019s authorities. The rebels\u2019 capture of Damascus was a political earthquake, one that caught Bashar Al Assad\u2019s allies off guard.
\nNo one expected the Syrian military would refuse to fight against the rebels. The rebel group has enforced a curfew in Damascus after announcing their control over the capital. It is not clear when the curfew will be lifted. Though reports suggest that Bashar al-Assad left Damascus for an unknown destination on Sunday, his whereabouts remain unclear.
\nSyria\u2019s journey is far from over.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
It is quite proverbial to say but by all means Syria stands at a crossroads. The fall of Bashar al-Assad\u2019s rule \u2013 so sudden and unimaginable \u2013 marks the end of an era fraught with challenges and achievements. For 25 years, Bashar al-Assad led Syria through turbulent times like a strong and fair man. He […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-448395","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-editorial"},"yoast_head":"\n