Hasselt Rejoices: Syrian Rebels Seize Damascus as Bashar al-Assad Flees

Hasselt (Eurotoday): Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has been removed after 13 years of civil war, with rebels taking Damascus in just 12 days. Many people, like George, who moved to Hasselt, feel mixed emotions about the change. They worry about the future, especially for the 10% of Syrians who are Christians. There’s uncertainty about how new leaders will treat everyone and what will happen next.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has been removed from power after thirteen years of civil war. Syrian rebels took control of Damascus in just twelve days. Around ten percent of the people in Syria are Christians. Thirteen years ago, Aleppo was where the uprising against Assad began, with strong resistance, and the city faced heavy bombing from Russian forces.

What are the implications of Assad’s fall for Syrians and their future?

George shared his story about the war, saying he waited five years for it to end but had to leave Syria for his kids. He came to Hasselt in 2015 and found a job. Two years later, his children joined him and were amazed by simple things like running water. Now, they go to school and have a better future in blank” rel=”noopener”>Limburg, not in Aleppo, where there’s nothing left for them. When he heard that Assad was gone, he tried to reach friends in Syria, but no one knows what’s happening there, and he noticed everything changed quickly in just twelve days.

After thirteen years of war, people are feeling both happy and confused. Many are questioning if the struggle was worth it, as the future looks challenging with doctors leaving, homes destroyed, and schools lost. There are concerns about the new president and his potential impact. Christians in Syria are worried about whether the new leaders will treat everyone fairly. There is uncertainty about what will happen next.