In Syria, as the anniversary of former president Bashar al-Assad's fall approaches, people have already started celebrating. Al-Assad held power for 24 years and his family ruled for over 50.

Hama

Thousands of Syrians gathered in Hama to celebrate the first anniversary of the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, marking the end of over 50 years of family rule. The event highlighted the liberation of Hama, a city that suffered a brutal crackdown in 1982, and the broader impact of the Syrian Civil War, which has left deep scars across the country.

Despite the festive atmosphere, many challenges remain, including widespread unemployment, lack of basic services, and the ongoing displacement of millions. Recent international developments, such as the lifting of sanctions by several countries and a UN Security Council visit, have provided some hope for recovery and reintegration.

Syrians celebrate one year anniversary of al-Assad's fall

Dancing and cheering filled the streets of Hama as thousands of Syrians rallied to celebrate the first anniversary of Bashar al-Assad's fall. One year ago Friday, rebels led by Syria's now-president Ahmed al-Shara took control of Hama, before capturing Damascus and toppling the al-Assad family's more-than-50-year rule on December 8. The rebel victory brought particular liberation to Hama, which suffered a brutal crackdown under former President Hafez al-Assad in 1982. The Syrian Network for Human Rights estimates that in the massacre, the government killed between 30,000 and 40,000 people. -"Today, all of Syria is celebrating Hama's victory over the tyrant Bashar al-Assad, his henchmen and the remnants of the regime. We stand with the leader, President al-Shara." Although the anniversary is cause for celebration, the impact of al-Assad's rule, and particularly the 2011 Syrian Civil War, remain deeply felt in cities like Homs. Across the country, drinking water and electricity are rarities, and in many areas, unemployment is at 90%. Since the war, 200,000 Syrians have been reported missing. Today still, of the approximately 6 million Syrian refugees who fled during the war, only a small fraction have returned to find a country forever changed. -"My older brother was arrested by the regime in 2012. And then, I don't know what happened to him. I was living in Germany." Although challenges remain, al-Shara, who formerly led al-Qaeda's Syria branch, then the splinter group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, has made significant strides for Syria on the international stage. Canada lifted its sanctions on Syria Friday after the US and UK did the same earlier this year. This week, a UN Security Council delegation visited Syria for the first time. -"Things have improved greatly over the past year. God willing, next year will be even better." While the country is still recovering from decades of turmoil, the fall of al-Assad has left many Syrians finally able to hold on to hope.

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Breakdown