Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Assad's Fall Sparks Shift: HTS Takes Damascus, Peace Hopes Rise

4/25/2025

38 3

Summary

Story summary

The December 2024 removal of Bashar al-Assad has transformed Syria's landscape. Al-Qaeda's HTS now controls Damascus, while Turkey intensifies its offensive against Kurdish forces. A U.S.-brokered agreement seeks to incorporate these forces into a reformed Syrian state, igniting hopes for lasting peace as the U.S. prepares for a strategic troop withdrawal focused on political resolutions.

1 of 1

Story summary

The December 2024 removal of Bashar al-Assad has transformed Syria's landscape. Al-Qaeda's HTS now controls Damascus, while Turkey intensifies its offensive against Kurdish forces. A U.S.-brokered agreement seeks to incorporate these forces into a reformed Syrian state, igniting hopes for lasting peace as the U.S. prepares for a strategic troop withdrawal focused on political resolutions.