Abstract The fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria on 8 December 2024, was a defining moment in the history of Syria and the region. On one hand, it marked the culmination of a popular revolution that lasted nearly 13 years, during which the regime committed horrific crimes against its people. On the other hand, it represented a profound shift in the region’s geopolitical landscape, expected to significantly influence the broader situation and future developments. The manner in which the event unfolded and the speed of the regime’s collapse took everyone by surprise. Many countries needed several days to fully grasp the new reality, and numerous questions remain regarding what happened and how the regime fell so rapidly, with its president fleeing the country. Throughout the course of the conflict, Syria exhausted all its resources while enduring prolonged suffering under the rule of a regime described as a bloodthirsty dictatorship that lasted more than half a century. The Arab world and the broader region also suffered under al-Assad’s leadership, particularly since he employed provocative and extortionist policies as key tools in his dealings with neighbouring countries and other regional powers. This all changed with the final transformation, which ushered in a rapid and widespread liberation process that surpassed all expectations. This swift change was not solely the result of internal dynamics within Syria; it also reflected deep international and regional interactions. While Syrians, along with the regional and international community, universally viewed this as a great victory, it was accompanied by significant and daunting challenges on the road to a lasting and stable success. Some of these challenges are typical, while others are unique to Syria’s complex situation and its dire humanitarian consequences. Keywords: Syria, collapse of the governance system, economic challenges, political challenges, security challenges, regional and international balances.
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