Where is Bashar? Rumors continue to spread despite official denials
The atmosphere in Damascus appears to be one of confusion and fear, with many people unable to figure out what is really happening as rebel groups continue to move closer.
In several suburbs, symbols of the Assad dynasty’s power were vandalized or toppled.
The Interior Ministry says it is building a steel cordon around the capital. But government forces have failed to provide any such security in cities, towns and villages held by rebel groups across the country.
Rumors are spreading about the whereabouts of President Bashar al-Assad, with people hopping on flights in and out of Damascus trying to find out if he has left.
His office has denied all such reports and said he is still on assignment in Damascus, but there has been no sign of him.
Syria remains a divided country, with the deep scars of years of civil war still not healed, despite the apparent stalemate and status quo that had existed for nearly four years until just a week and a half ago.
Assad’s pariah status among his fellow Arab leaders was ended, but no progress was made toward building a viable future for his people in post-war Syria.
But President Assad’s presence seemed to put an end, if unsatisfying, seal on years of deadly conflict.
If he is now out of the picture, a power vacuum will again emerge, with no clear indication of how it will be filled. There is no unified opposition to take power. Rebel groups have a history of division and internal fighting.
The group that has led the new rebellion against President Assad Its foundation is in the extremism of Al QaedaIts leader has tried to reassure other communities in Syria that he will not impose his ideology on them, but they are understandably fearful of what might happen.
There are widespread fears that Syria could descend into an even more disastrous situation, with different factions fighting each other for control. In an already extremely unstable and turbulent region, this could spark more dangerous unrest.
But for now at least, many Syrians inside and outside the county are united by a hope that many thought they might never experience again – that they might be able to return to their homes, which have long been under Assad. were lost in the bitter war due to the violent repression of the Opposition and disagreement originally began.
