Bashar al-Assad's regime falls as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham gains control in Syria

Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria has been toppled after 13 years, with the armed group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) capturing key cities, including Damascus. Assad reportedly fled to Moscow as HTS gained control. The situation presents a potential shift towards peace, but concerns remain about the rise of HTS, which has Islamist roots. The group's past ties to al-Qaeda complicate perceptions, though it has sought a more moderate image in recent years. The future of Syria will depend on international engagement with HTS and other factions. Regional powers, including Turkey and Israel, are also positioned to influence the evolving landscape amid ongoing tensions and potential conflicts.