On December 8, rebel forces stormed Damascus and ousted President Bashar al-Assad, who had been ruling Syria since 2000. Reports suggest Assad has fled to Russia, where he has sought asylum.

For over 53 years, the Assad family—first Hafez, then Bashar—has governed Syria. So how did the Assads, an Alawite Shia family, a minority in Syria, maintain control in a predominantly Sunni country?

Now, the question is: who will govern Syria? One potential leader is HTS chief Abu Mohammed al-Jolani. He has pledged to protect minorities and women and says he has no intentions to impose strict Islamic law. However, his complex past suggests he could shift his political stance as needed. Will al-Jolani emerge as a reformist, or will he follow a path akin to Al-Qaeda?

Produced by Anna Priyadarshini

Sound Mix by Nitin Rawat

Chapters:

(4:25) — Shia rule over Sunni majority for 53 years

(12:57) — How rebel forces toppled the govt

(17:05) — Will Al-Jolani govern Syria?

(25:26) — Syria, a fragmented country

(28:46) — Arab world's dynamics

(30:29) — Russia and Iran abandoned Syria?

(40:04) — Is the Assad dynasty long gone?