People gather at Saadallah al-Jabiri Square as they celebrate, after Syria's army command notified officers on Sunday that President Bashar al-Assad's 24-year authoritarian rule has ended, a Syrian officer who was informed of the move told Reuters, following a rapid rebel offensive that took the world by surprise, in Aleppo, Syria.

Syrian opposition forces have overthrown President Assad, who has fled the country

Syrian rebels announced the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad after taking control of Damascus on Sunday, compelling him to flee and marking the end of his family’s long-standing rule following over 13 years of civil conflict, a pivotal moment for the Middle East. This development significantly undermines the influence of Russia and Iran in Syria, both of whom have been key allies supporting Assad during … Continue reading Syrian opposition forces have overthrown President Assad, who has fled the country

A Syrian opposition flag flies above a market square in central Aleppo.

Syria’s opposition claims to be surrounding Damascus, but the military denies any withdrawal

Syria’s rebel coalition is advancing towards the capital, Damascus, following a rapid offensive that has seen anti-regime forces make significant gains across the nation. The rebels have announced the commencement of their “final phase” to encircle the capital. In response, the Syrian army has rejected claims of retreat, accusing the rebels of inciting fear among the populace. In the southern region, a fresh uprising has … Continue reading Syria’s opposition claims to be surrounding Damascus, but the military denies any withdrawal

Syrian anti-government fighters celebrate as they pour into the captured central-west city of Hama.

Implications of the Syrian uprising for the power dynamics in the Middle East

Global stakeholders are now faced with the geopolitical ramifications of a rebel offensive spearheaded by an Islamist faction in Syria, which poses a potential threat to President Bashar al-Assad’s grip on power. Syrian rebels have rapidly advanced in the northern region, capturing two significant cities: Aleppo, the nation’s second-largest city, and Hama, a city of strategic importance located along a crucial supply route. The rebels … Continue reading Implications of the Syrian uprising for the power dynamics in the Middle East

Smoke billows in the aftermath of what the White Helmets say is a strike, in Idlib, Syria.

Syrian opposition forces are gaining strength while Assad works to reinforce his defenses

Syrian rebels were set to continue their rapid advance on Saturday after reaching the outskirts of the central city of Homs, while government forces struggled to reinforce their faltering frontlines in an effort to preserve President Bashar al-Assad‘s 24-year regime. Following the rebels’ capture of Aleppo a week prior, government defenses have deteriorated swiftly across the nation, as insurgents have taken control of several key … Continue reading Syrian opposition forces are gaining strength while Assad works to reinforce his defenses

Syrian opposition forces have entered Hama after the army’s withdrawal

Syrian rebels successfully expelled pro-government forces from Hama on Thursday, marking a significant victory for the insurgents following a rapid advance across northern Syria. This development poses a new challenge for President Bashar al-Assad and his allies from Russia and Iran. The Syrian army reported that the rebels had entered Hama after fierce fighting and announced a strategic redeployment outside the city to safeguard civilian … Continue reading Syrian opposition forces have entered Hama after the army’s withdrawal

People walk at Aleppo's ancient citadel in this picture from a drone, in Aleppo, Syria.

Syrian armed forces and opposition fighters engage in combat to the north of Hama

Intense airstrikes overnight pushed Syrian rebels back from the outskirts of Hama, a significant city whose capture would increase pressure on President Bashar al-Assad, according to both parties on Wednesday. Over the past week, rebels have made rapid gains, capturing Syria‘s second-largest city, Aleppo, along with much of the surrounding area, coming within a few kilometers of Hama by Tuesday. The swift nature of their … Continue reading Syrian armed forces and opposition fighters engage in combat to the north of Hama