Syria Marks One Year Since Assad's Fall — President Al-Sharaa Vows National Renewal

Crowds filled public squares across Syria’s largest cities to mark the one-year anniversary of the fall of the Assad regime, as President Ahmad al-Sharaa vowed to guide the nation toward prominence on the world stage.

Speaking from the presidential palace in Damascus, Mr al-Sharaa declared,

"Victory is only the beginning."

He urged Syrians to turn that victory into responsibility and hard work to place Syria among the world's leading nations. In remarks translated by Al Jazeera, he described the moment as a "complete break from that legacy, an end to that era," and called it "the beginning of a new chapter — the chapter of building the nation."

The anniversary recalls a dramatic offensive that began on Nov. 27 last year. In a 12-day campaign, forces loyal to Mr al-Sharaa captured city after city, entered the capital and dislodged long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad, who reportedly fled with family and loyalists to Russia.

Celebrations and Cautious Communities

Festive scenes swept many major cities: fireworks lit the skies, horns sounded and people waved the new Syrian flag — green, white and black with three stars. Impromptu marches in Homs featured drums and trumpets, and many welcomed the return of foreign journalists as a sign Syria was re-engaging internationally after years of sanctions and isolation.

But commemorations were more muted in some regions. Coastal areas such as Latakia — an Alawite heartland associated with the Assad family — saw quieter observances amid worries about inclusion in the new state. Anniversary events were banned in parts of the northeast, a mostly Kurdish region, underscoring persistent political and social fractures.

Promises and Practical Challenges

Since taking office as interim president, Mr al-Sharaa has prioritized removing international sanctions, rebuilding infrastructure and restoring the economy after 14 years of civil conflict. He has also sought international support to curb repeated Israeli incursions and air strikes on Syrian soil, including strikes near Damascus.

Supporters point to public celebrations and renewed diplomatic outreach — including reported engagement with the US, UK and Saudi Arabia — as signs of progress. Critics, however, press for a clear timetable for presidential elections and stronger guarantees of national reconciliation.

Voices From the Ground

Many Syrians voiced hope and cautious optimism. Ahmed al-Hajj, 28, a former rebel fighter now serving in the new national military, said nations often must "start from scratch," but praised al-Sharaa’s outreach to survivors of the Assad era’s chemical attacks. Toafiq Ali Diab, 46, the sole survivor of a 2018 chemical attack in Douma, said the country had regained international standing under al-Sharaa.

At the same time, survivors and victims' relatives demand accountability. "Justice means returning Assad from Russia to face trial for war crimes," said Mr Ali Diab. Huda al-Shami, 58, an English teacher in Homs who lost her husband to regime violence in 2013, urged urgent economic relief: "Everything is expensive; we can’t buy what we need."

Looking Ahead

Major tasks remain: rebuilding neighborhoods reduced to rubble, revitalizing the economy, healing sectarian divisions and establishing credible judicial processes for wartime crimes. Mr al-Sharaa’s ability to deliver reconstruction, national reconciliation and credible elections will determine whether the promises of this anniversary translate into lasting stability and international reintegration.