Bashar Assad flees Syria, ending 14-year rule and a decades-long dynasty

Syrian President Bashar Assad fled the country on Sunday, ending his nearly 14-year rule amid a devastating civil war. His departure marks a significant shift from his early presidency, when he was seen as a potential reformer. Assad's government had regained control over most of Syria in recent years, but a surprise offensive by opposition groups in northwest Syria led to a rapid collapse of his forces. His allies, preoccupied with other conflicts, did not intervene effectively. Assad's rise to power in 2000 followed the death of his father, Hafez Assad. Initially, he appeared to promote reforms but later resorted to violent repression against dissent, leading to a conflict that has killed nearly half a million people and displaced millions.