Assad's ousting reduces Iran's influence and raises concerns over extremist governance in Syria

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was ousted by rebel forces over the weekend, significantly reducing Iran's influence in the region. The main rebel group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, is linked to Al Qaeda and raises concerns about the potential rise of extremist governance in Syria. The rapid fall of Assad has created a power vacuum, with no clear plan for Syria's future governance. U.S. forces are conducting strikes against Islamic State to prevent its resurgence, while Washington seeks to engage with various rebel factions amid fears of instability. Assad's departure has implications for Iran and Russia, who supported his regime. The situation remains complex, with various rebel groups vying for control and concerns about the unity of Syria, which is divided along sectarian and ethnic lines.