Khaberni - On Monday, Syrians commemorate the first anniversary of the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime, while the country, suffering from divisions, struggles to achieve stability and recovery after a war that lasted for years.
Official celebrations are scheduled to take place in Umayyad Square in the capital Damascus, which is already filled with jubilant crowds in preparation for the eighth of December. Celebrations will also be held in other places across the country.
Assad fled from Syria to Russia a year ago when the opposition, led by the current President Ahmad al-Shar', took control of Damascus and overthrew him after a war that lasted more than 13 years sparked by an uprising against his rule.
Some areas in Syria have been celebrating for several days, and the streets of Hama were filled with thousands waving the new Syrian flag on Friday, commemorating the day Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham took control of the city during their rapid advance toward Damascus.
* Show Unity
The administration, led by the Kurds managing the affairs of northeastern Syria, congratulated Syrians on the anniversary, but banned gatherings and events for security reasons, pointing to increased activity of "terror cells" seeking to exploit the occasion.
In a speech delivered in late November on the occasion of the first anniversary of his campaign that culminated in victory, al-Shar' urged all Syrians to gather in squares to show joy and national unity.
Al-Shar' has made radical changes, reshaping Syria's foreign relations by strengthening ties with the United States, receiving support from Gulf countries and moving away from the influence of Iran and Russia, Assad's supporters. The West, in turn, lifted many of the sanctions imposed on the country.
Al-Shar' vowed to end Assad's brutal police state and establish an inclusive and fair system.
However, hundreds have died in waves of sectarian violence that caused new displacements and fueled mistrust of the government among minorities, at a time when al-Shar' faces challenges in extending Damascus's control over all parts of Syria.
* Syria "Experiencing its Best Conditions"
The administration led by the Kurds strives to protect its authority in the region it controls, while in the south, some Druze demand independence.
Al-Shar' told participants in the Doha Forum at the beginning of the weekend that "Syria is now experiencing its best conditions," despite bouts of violence, promising to hold those responsible accountable.
He added that the transitional period under his leadership will continue for the next four years to establish institutions, enact laws, and draft a new constitution that will be put to a referendum, and with the completion of this phase, the country will conduct elections.
The Assad family, belonging to the Alawite minority, ruled Syria for 54 years.
The Syrian war claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands and displaced millions after it broke out in 2011, with about five million fleeing to neighboring countries.
Last week, Abd al-Qader Hazriya, governor of the Central Bank of Syria, said during the Reuters Next conference that the return of about 1.5 million Syrians to the country contributes to economic growth.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says there is an urgent need for humanitarian aid in Syria, as about 16.5 million needed support in 2025.
