They say for years to come, Syrians around the world will remember what they were doing on Dec.r 8, 2024. The events are etched in the minds of many Canadians, too. The world learned Bashar al-Assad — the ruthless dictator who deployed chemical weapons against his own people — had slunk off to Russia to escape rebel forces advancing on Damascus. Elation and stunned disbelief hung in the air like music notes, striking a chord of uncertainty and hope for the future.

This week, the vast Syrian diaspora celebrated the one-year anniversary of Assad’s fall, ending 14 years of civil war. There is cautious optimism about the interim government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa. The soldier who led the rebel forces has gained significant legitimacy, despite former ties to al-Qaida. In September, al-Sharaa wa

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