Syria news/ Assad falls/ Damascus celebrations/ Syrian political transition/ Ahmad al-Sharaa/ U.S.-Turkey Syria talks/ DAMASCUS/ SYRIA/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Syrians gathered in Damascus’ Umayyad Square to celebrate the first Friday prayers since the fall of Bashar Assad. Insurgent leader Ahmad al-Sharaa urged unity and peaceful rebuilding. Meanwhile, U.S. and Turkish officials discussed plans for Syria’s future amid heightened regional tensions.
Syrians Celebrate Assad’s Fall: Quick Looks
- Historic Prayers: Thousands joined Friday prayers in Damascus, symbolizing a new era after Assad’s ouster.
- Insurgent Leadership: Ahmad al-Sharaa, leader of the insurgency, called for unity and rebuilding efforts.
- U.S.-Turkey Consensus: Antony Blinken and Hakan Fidan discussed forming an inclusive, interim Syrian government.
- Regional Dynamics: Israel maintains a buffer zone in southern Syria, citing security concerns.
- Unity and Hope: Syrians expressed optimism for coexistence and an end to corruption.
Syrians Celebrate Assad’s Fall with First Friday Prayers in Damascus
Deep Look
A Moment of Celebration in Damascus
In a poignant display of hope and unity, thousands of Syrians gathered in Damascus’ iconic Umayyad Square to mark the first Friday prayers since the dramatic fall of President Bashar Assad. The prayers, symbolic of Syria’s long fight for freedom, were followed by jubilant celebrations as families and individuals from across the country voiced optimism for a new chapter.
Ahmad al-Sharaa, the insurgent leader who led a swift 10-day campaign to seize the capital, addressed the nation in a video message.
Once known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, al-Sharaa praised the Syrian people’s resilience and called for unity in rebuilding the nation. “We will be victorious by the help of God,” he stated, urging celebrations without violence.
Calls for Unity
Chants of “Unified Syria to build Syria” echoed in the square as demonstrators expressed hopes for a more inclusive future. Some attendees, like Khaled Abu Chahine from the southern province of Daraa, emphasized coexistence among Syria’s diverse religious and ethnic groups. Others called for justice for past crimes under Assad’s regime, which was long criticized for its brutality and corruption.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the optimism, many Syrians remain wary of extremist influences within the insurgent ranks. Leaders of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the insurgent coalition that toppled Assad, face the challenge of reassuring the public while establishing security and beginning political transitions.
International Reactions
In Ankara, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan outlined a shared vision for Syria’s future. Both emphasized the need for an inclusive, non-sectarian interim government that safeguards minority rights and ensures regional stability.
Blinken also highlighted the importance of containing the Islamic State group and preventing a resurgence of extremist forces. Turkey, meanwhile, reiterated its priority to eliminate threats from ISIS and the PKK, a Kurdish group Turkey considers a terrorist organization.
The U.S. and Turkey’s differing views on the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) complicate the path forward. While the SDF has been instrumental in fighting ISIS, Turkey views it as a security threat.
Israel’s Strategic Position
Adding to the complexity, Israel has fortified its hold on Mount Hermon and other areas along the Syrian border, citing security concerns and the need to prevent weapons from falling into extremist hands. Israeli airstrikes in Syria have drawn international scrutiny, but Israeli officials insist the measures are necessary for stability.
Syrians Look Forward
As Damascus celebrates, the road to rebuilding Syria remains uncertain. The fall of Assad marks a turning point, but the new leadership must address deep-seated issues while managing international expectations. For Syrians like Wardan Aoun from Idlib, the hope is clear: a future free of corruption and division.
