Bashar Assad flees Syria, ending over 54 years of family rule

Syrian President Bashar Assad has fled the country, ending over 54 years of Assad family rule. His departure follows a recent offensive by opposition groups, leading to a rapid collapse of government forces and leaving Syria in a state of uncertainty. Assad's exit marks a significant shift from his earlier years in power, where he initially appeared as a reformer. However, his regime faced widespread protests in 2011, which escalated into a brutal civil war, resulting in nearly half a million deaths and massive displacement. In recent years, Assad's government regained control over most of Syria, but the situation changed quickly as his allies were distracted by other conflicts. The Arab League had reinstated Syria's membership, but the recent developments have left the country's future unclear.