Bashar al-Assad ousted as Syrian president, raising concerns over regional stability

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was ousted by rebel forces in a swift takeover of Damascus, ending his 50-year rule. This shift has disrupted Iran's influence in the region, raising concerns about potential instability and the rise of extremist groups. The rebel coalition, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, poses a risk of establishing a hardline Islamist government. The U.S. and allies are now navigating a fragmented opposition landscape, with fears of a power vacuum similar to past conflicts in Iraq and Libya. Calls for a new political transition in Syria have emerged, with opposition leaders proposing a constitution and elections. However, the lack of unified control among various armed groups raises doubts about the future governance and stability of the country.