The web of anti-Western alliances Syria has spun since Mr Assad’s father, Hafez, became president in 1971 is unravelling. Its close ties with Iran are being cut. On December 11th the new government’s leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, better known by his nom de guerre, Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, said he was keen to keep Iran out of Syria.

In Syria, the rebels who seized power have appointed a transitional government with a temporary prime minister. On Monday, crowds gathered as some Syrians continued to celebrate the takeover. Elizabeth Palmer has more on what happens next.

Syria's economy contracted by 85% during nearly 14 years of civil war, which decimated infrastructure and sparked hyperinflation. The challenges are enormous and recovery will require support from the rest of the world.