Syria Marks One Year Since Assad’s Fall With Celebrations and Diplomatic Push

Overview

• Crowds filled central squares in Damascus and other cities as the new tricolor flag appeared at rallies in Syria and in European diaspora gatherings, while the Kurdish administration barred public events citing terrorist cell activity.
• Interim president Ahmed al‑Sharaa urged citizens to help rebuild the country as the European Union pledged support for a peaceful, Syrian‑led process focused on justice, reconciliation, humanitarian aid and recovery.
• The transitional leadership broadened foreign ties with a UN General Assembly address and a White House meeting, and many Assad‑era sanctions have been lifted or suspended.
• UN and regional reports describe fragmented control, sporadic sectarian violence and the persistence of extremist cells, with Kurdish and Druze areas challenging the reach of Damascus.
• Bashar al‑Assad remains under Russian protection in Moscow, a status analysts say gives the Kremlin leverage over Syria’s transition as Damascus’ hopes for extradition appear unlikely.