Following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad by Islamist-led rebels, he publicly stated his evacuation to Russia during drone attacks on the Hmeimim air base on December 8. Assad denied fleeing in battle’s final hours and emphasized his commitment to continue fighting the rebels. As new interim rulers emerge in Syria, international diplomats, including UN envoy Geir Pedersen, are urging a focus on nation-building and justice, while Qatar reopens its embassy, signaling a shift in diplomatic relations.