In a significant turn of events, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has fled to Russia following a rapid offensive by rebel forces, according to state media and Iranian officials. The main rebel coalition, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, announced the capture of the capital, Damascus, declaring it liberated and the end of al-Assad's regime.
The al-Assad family has ruled Syria since the early 1970s, and many citizens expressed hope for the future after years of oppression. However, uncertainty looms regarding the next leadership, raising concerns about a potential power vacuum, even as celebratory gunfire erupted in Damascus and prisoners were released.
Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, called the group's success “a victory for the whole Islamic nation.” Despite its previous links to Al Qaeda, the group has sought legitimacy by focusing on governance rather than jihadist goals. A resident of Damascus expressed joy at the regime's fall, stating, “Our hearts are dancing with joy.”
In other developments, Israel reported that at least 24 employees of UN-run schools in the Gaza Strip were affiliated with Hamas or Islamic Jihad. The UN agency, UNRWA, which operates nearly 290 schools in the area, has been criticized for its inability to ensure the neutrality of its staff amidst ongoing conflict.
UNRWA officials contended that Israel's claims are part of a broader discrediting campaign against the agency, which serves millions of Palestinians. Verification of the allegations indicated that the names and identification numbers matched records in a separate UNRWA database.
In a recent interview, Donald Trump outlined an aggressive agenda for his potential second term, including immigration crackdowns and pardons for supporters involved in the January 6 Capitol events. He also indicated plans to challenge automatic citizenship rights for children of immigrants and suggested the dismissal of FBI Director Christopher Wray.
Trump emphasized his focus on national success rather than retribution, stating, “I’m looking to make our country successful.” His comments regarding investigations into President Biden were met with criticism from political opponents who viewed them as threats to the rule of law.
In cultural news, Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris reopened to the public after five years of restoration following a devastating fire. The first regular Mass was celebrated with a gathering of 2,500 worshipers, marking a significant moment in the cathedral's recovery.
As the situation in Syria unfolds and other global events continue to develop, the implications of these changes will be closely monitored.