Syria after Assad: Should we celebrate or worry?

Syrian residents in Turkey cheer as they celebrate the end of the Baath rule in Syria after rebel fighters took control of Damascus overnight, at the Fatih Mosque, in Istanbul, on December 8, 2024. [AFP]

The long reign by father and son in Syria, spanning 50 years, came to an end as fast it began. It ended in disgrace, the son going into exile and father's grave desecrated.

The Assads have led Syria since 1971. Hafez al Assad handing over to his son, Bashar al-Assad, in 2000.