People react to the fall of Syrian regime in Umayyad Square on December 8, 2024 in Damascus, Syria. Rebel forces in Syria claimed that they had retaken the capital from longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad, who was reported to have fled the country. © Ali Haj Suleiman/Getty Images Syria: “Can I Just Be Happy Today?” It’s like a miracle. Not a single drop of blood was shed in Damascus. 9 Dec 24