Assad family rule in Syria ends after 50 years as rebels capture Damascus

The Assad family's rule in Syria has ended after over 50 years. Rebel forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, have captured key areas in Damascus, forcing President Bashar al-Assad to flee. This marks the collapse of the Alawite dynasty. The Assad regime began with Hafez al-Assad in 1970, characterized by authoritarian rule and sectarian divisions. Bashar al-Assad succeeded his father in 2000 but faced growing unrest, leading to a civil war that started in 2011. The recent offensive by HTS has significantly weakened Assad's control, raising concerns about Syria's future stability. The fall of the regime also affects regional dynamics, particularly the influence of Russia and Iran in the Middle East.