In under two weeks, rebels topple 24-year Syrian dictatorship backed by Iran, Russia

Bashar al-Assad's decades-long reign in Syria has ended after a dramatic rebel advance seized Damascus, toppling his regime. Once seen as a potential reformer, Assad became infamous for brutally suppressing dissent, including chemical attacks and mass displacement during Syria's devastating civil war. His fall marks the end of his family's 50-year grip on power and a significant blow to Iran's influence in the Middle East.

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By Bloomberg News ___STEADY_PAYWALL___