Earlier, the border between Syria and Lebanon would have been bustling with guards, soldiers, and agents from Syria’s intelligence services, the mukhabarat. However, it was deserted as a group of young men outside a duty-free store enjoyed a rare moment of peace. The only visible remnants of conflict were an abandoned tank beneath a torn poster of Bashar al-Assad.
The road into Damascus was eerily quiet due to a ceasefire declared by the rebels, who had imposed a curfew from 4 p.m. to 5 a.m. local time. Most residents seemed to be adhering to the curfew, with sporadic celebratory gunfire breaking the silence. Checkpoints were absent, but armed men from Idlib patrolled the city center, emphasizing the rebel leader's directive to maintain law and order.
Rebels interacted politely with residents, following their leader's instructions to reassure the population, especially minorities, that retribution was not their goal. The sense of disbelief was palpable among Syrians who had lived under Assad rule for over five decades, with many expressing joy at the dawn of a new era.
On the Lebanese side of the border, jubilant Syrians celebrated Assad's ouster with fireworks, sweets, and the flag of the uprising, reflecting the widespread optimism and hope for a brighter future.
