Syrians living overseas have reacted with both shock and a sense of optimism about the future of their country after the ouster of Bashar al-Assad. Many are hopeful they will be able to safely return. Rebels declared the end of the Assad regime on December 8, 2024, with the former leader fleeing to Russia. The United Nations estimates that more than 14 million Syrians have been displaced during 13 years of civil war in the country.