The collapse of the Assad regime on December 8, 2024, is a watershed moment for Syria, marked by significant opportunities as well as several potential challenges. The end of more than 50 years of Assad family rule could open the way for a new, more inclusive Syria. Yet, the country must contend with the aftermath of nearly 14 years of brutal conflict where it is estimated that least 500,000 people were killed and more than 13 million forcibly displaced. Key to Syria’s future is whether Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, is able to consolidate control through an inclusive model of governance. Numerous challenges abound, most notably around whether Syria’s many armed groups — including the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces — agree to integrate into the new government’s security and defense bodies. Inclusion of Syria’s many minorities in the country’s new governance structures will be equally critical. The fall of the Assad is also realigning power dynamics across the region, with Turkey and the Gulf states poised to gain significant influence while Iran endures a major strategic setback.