DAMASCUS, Syria — On Saturday, thousands of Syrians gathered in public spaces to commemorate 14 years since the onset of the civil war, marking the first anniversary of this event without Bashar Assad in power. The atmosphere was jubilant as citizens celebrated the rebels’ success in dethroning the Assad regime, which dominated the nation for five decades.
Participants waved Syrian flags and chanted energetically in Damascus, Aleppo, and Idlib, reflecting on the rebel victory that began with an offensive launched in November. Demonstrators in Damascus’ Umayyad Square carried posters highlighting their triumph, with messages like “15/3/2025 same date but we are now victorious,” while helicopter gunships showered them with flowers.
In a symbolic gesture, the helicopters now drop flowers instead of the barrel bombs that previously terrorized opposition-held areas. This gesture aims to communicate a message of hope and peace. A note tied to a flower dropping over Umayyad Square read, “Today, helicopters are gifting you hope instead of pain, peace instead of fear,” emphasizing a new era under changed governance.
Yaman al-Ali, a longstanding supporter of the revolution since 2011, expressed overwhelming joy at the victory over Bashar Assad, and called for his execution following the government’s downfall. Similarly, Lamyaa al-Doueish, echoed feelings of elation, viewing the victory as a blessing after 14 challenging years.
The conflict in Syria initially emerged from the wave of popular uprisings during the 2011 Arab Spring. These peaceful protests were met with brutal repression that eventually spiraled into a full-blown civil war. The long conflict resulted in around half a million deaths and forced over 5 million Syrians to flee their homeland.
Last November, groups spearheaded by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham initiated a decisive offensive, capturing major cities including Aleppo, Hama, and Homs. The climactic advancement culminated in December with the insurgents taking Damascus, ending the Assad family’s 54-year rule. Assad sought refuge in Russia, which had been his staunch ally.
Under the leadership of interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, the new regime faces significant challenges. Just before the anniversary celebrations, escalated violence erupted between forces still loyal to Assad and the new government, causing around 1,000 fatalities, predominantly from Assad’s Alawite community.
Despite these ongoing tensions, the interim officials have initiated agreements, including one with the Kurdish-led authority in Syria’s northeast. Al-Sharaa has also enacted a provisional constitution instituting Islamist governance while assuring to safeguard all citizens’ rights for a transitional period of five years.
Post-Assad, the majority of Syrians continue to live under the shadow of poverty. Syrian officials, with regional support, are urging Western states to remove longstanding sanctions. However, such sanctions, initially imposed over a decade ago, may remain until a political transition fulfilling democratic ideals and inclusive of all minorities is realized.
Although the international community remains cautious, Syria urgently seeks funds to rehabilitate from the prolonged strife.
