Opposition forces take control of Damascus as Assad's rule ends in Syria

Opposition forces have taken control of Damascus, marking the end of Bashar al-Assad's 54-year rule in Syria. This rapid advance follows years of stalemate in the civil war, with reports indicating that Assad has resigned and left the country. The opposition's victory has highlighted the fragmentation within its ranks, with various groups controlling different regions. The Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army have gained ground, but conflicts between them and other factions, including the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, persist. The shift in power raises questions for external backers like Iran, Russia, and Turkey. The U.S. faces challenges in navigating the new landscape, especially regarding its military presence and relations with Kurdish forces, as the situation in Syria remains complex and unstable.