Syria

Geir Pedersen is no stranger to Middle East hotspots, but for six years his mission in Syria was frustrated by the Assad regime. With Assad gone, the priorities are stability and inclusivity, he says

Al Majalla lays out the long and often chaotic array of leaders, military coups, and governing systems that Syria has gone through in the past century

Assad's fall means Iran loses its contiguous land corridor. Without it, 'Axis of Resistance' forces will find it difficult to work together. Meanwhile, Iran's ally, Russia, looks to be on its way out.

Regime change brings an opportunity to raise living standards, which have collapsed along with the national currency and years of war. The transition of power will be key.

In its public statements, the Syrian government has long supported the Palestinian cause. In reality, the Assads sought to stymie the PLO, whose famous leader, Yasser Arafat, never trusted Damascus.

Russia's claim of being a steadfast guarantor of security for allies has been dented, which could affect its expansion into Africa and Latin America and strain its ties with Central Asian countries

The end of Assad's rule also means the end of his influence in Lebanon, and Lebanese politicians who served the interests of Damascus for decades could see their power drastically curtailed

Unravelling the horrors perpetrated in the darkest corners of Syria's prisons is chilling, nauseating, and crucial to understanding how this infernal machinery came into being—and continued operating

Although it scored some achievements, the Syrian Union was controversial from the start and became a huge headache for the French Mandate, which dissolved it after two years

Early signs are good, but in this crucial map-drawing transition period, there are some important lessons to be learnt and some understandable urges to be quashed if civil war is to be avoided