December 8 marked one year since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, which had ruled Syria for over half a century. Hafez al-Assad came to power in 1971, followed by his son Bashar. Their authoritarian rule triggered mass protests in 2011 and led to a brutal civil war that lasted nearly 14 years.

The regime collapsed in December 2024 following a rapid offensive by the radical group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Bashar al-Assad and his family fled to Russia, and HTS leader Ahmad al-Sharaa became Syria’s interim president. Since then, the country has entered a complex transitional phase. The following is a report from Deutche Welle (DW).

Security: ongoing threats

While barrel bombs are no longer falling from helicopters and Russian airstrikes have ceased, instability continues. A UN Security Council briefing in November described Syria’s security situation as a "fragmented landscape."

According to Syria Weekly and Charles Lister of the Middle East Institute, Damascus is relatively calm, but violent clashes persist in other areas between the new government's forces and Kurdish, Druze, and other groups. Pro-Assad factions and Islamic State militants remain active, exploiting the fragile situation.

The European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) notes that the transitional government lacks full control over the country. Reports cite lawlessness, criminal acts, and retaliatory violence across Syria.

Justice in transition faces setbacks

One driver of ongoing violence is the targeting of individuals linked to the former regime. Transitional justice is seen as essential to post-conflict healing. The interim government has launched two independent commissions: one to find missing persons, the other to investigate Assad-era crimes. However, the Syria Justice and Accountability Centre (SJAC) reports that the second commission has made limited progress due to weak governmental support.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has criticized the transitional justice body for focusing solely on crimes committed by the former regime while neglecting potential abuses by HTS and its allies.

Politics: democratization still nascent

Early in 2025, Syria held its first relatively free parliamentary elections. However, due to the ongoing instability, they were not direct; delegates were chosen through electoral colleges. Interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa remains in power until a new constitution is adopted, which is currently under development as part of a national dialogue.

Still, significant disagreements persist within the country over the future of governance. Critics accuse al-Sharaa of concentrating power and showing signs of authoritarianism. Analysts, however, remain cautious.

“Of course, it’s too early to talk about democratization,” wrote Patricia Karam of the Arab Center in Washington in November. “But the newly formed institutions signal a modest return to politics with elements of public participation. Syria stands at a crossroads: it can move toward genuine democracy or slip back into authoritarianism.”

Foreign policy: shift in direction and growing diplomacy

After years of isolation, Syria is gradually re-engaging with the world. Embassies in Damascus are reopening, and government officials are traveling abroad. Ahmad al-Sharaa — formerly known as Abu Muhammad al-Julani, once considered a high-profile terrorist — addressed the UN General Assembly in September and, in November, became the first Syrian leader to visit the White House since 1946.

Damascus has established relations with all five permanent members of the UN Security Council, including Russia and China — a sign of pragmatic foreign policy, according to analysts. Despite his controversial past, Sharaa is seeking international legitimacy.

However, Israeli airstrikes remain one of Syria’s most pressing foreign policy challenges. UN Deputy Special Envoy for Syria, Najat Rochdi, stated in November that these operations threaten civilians, inflame regional tensions, and hinder political progress.

Returning refugees face ruins, not homes

Following the end of large-scale fighting, millions of Syrians have begun returning home. According to recent reports, around 2.9 million people have returned — including 1.9 million internally displaced persons and more than 1 million refugees from abroad.

However, the homecoming has been anything but easy. The Norwegian Refugee Council reports that many returnees find only ruins — destroyed homes, collapsed infrastructure, and nonfunctional schools and hospitals. Property disputes over home ownership are also common.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) states that over half of Syria’s water systems and about 80% of the power grid are either destroyed or non-operational. Estimates for the country’s reconstruction range from $250 to $400 billion — and may be even higher.

Still, there are signs of recovery. A recent analysis by U.S. humanitarian organization Mercy Corps, using satellite imagery of nighttime lighting, indicates a gradual increase in electricity production. State-run news agency SANA reported that 823 schools have been rebuilt, and work is ongoing in another 838.

Economy: growing amid deep poverty

Syria’s economy remains in dire straits. Roughly a quarter of the population continues to live in extreme poverty, and most returnees are unable to find employment. Nevertheless, the World Bank projects a modest 1% growth in Syria’s economy in 2025.

Some of the sanctions imposed during Assad’s rule have been temporarily or fully lifted, which may also support recovery. Saudi Arabia and Qatar have pledged multi-billion-dollar investments to aid Syria’s reconstruction.

However, as the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy (TIMEP) notes, the positive effects have yet to be felt in the daily lives of ordinary Syrians.