Assad’s collapse came more quickly than the rebels had dreamed. But the circumstances were both serendipitous and part of a larger global realignment.

Hezbollah was dealt a major blow during 14 months of war with Israel. The toppling of Assad, who had strong ties to Iran, has now crippled its ability to bounce back by cutting off a vital weapons-smuggling route through Syria.

Syrians gathered in Damascus on Friday (December 20) to celebrate the toppling of Bashar al-Assad's regime. With a stage set up in a main square, Syrians waved flags and set off fireworks as dusk fell over Damascus.