Syria's Transition: A Nation in Flux Amidst Regime Change

Syria's turbulent shift sees rebels seizing control after President Assad's ousting. Refugees return amid governance adjustment challenges, fighter alliances, and concerns over extremist threats. Government services remain disrupted, with external actors like Israel and Turkey actively involved, heightening geopolitical complexities and uncertainty about Syria's future.

Syria's political landscape has undergone significant shifts as rebel forces took over the capital, Damascus, after overthrowing President Bashar Assad. The transition has seen former al-Qaida leader Ahmad al-Sharaa emerge as a prominent figure, promising representative governance and religious tolerance, while streams of hopeful refugees return.

The challenges ahead for the rebel alliance became evident, with state workers shunning offices causing key government services disruptions, disrupting humanitarian aid. Israel has conducted airstrikes targeting suspected chemical weapon sites, laying claim to a buffer zone amid concerns about these dangerous assets falling into extremist hands.

In the north, Turkey-backed opposition seized Manbij from Kurdish forces, highlighting Syria's fragmented state. Meanwhile, Assad has taken refuge in Russia, leaving Syria grappling with beleaguered state operations and an uncertain peace. The international response is cautiously optimistic, yet wary of extremist exploitation and regional instability.

(With inputs from agencies.)