Pakistan, Dec. 8 -- Syrians will mark the first anniversary of the fall of Bashar al-Assad on Monday, as the country continues to search for stability after more than a decade of war. Official celebrations are planned in Damascus' central Umayyad Square, which has already witnessed large gatherings in the days leading up to the event. Other regions are preparing similar events, reflecting the mixed emotions in a nation still healing from years of conflict

Assad fled to Russia last year when rebel forces led by Syria's new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, captured Damascus. His ouster came more than 13 years after an uprising against his rule spiraled into a devastating civil war. In cities such as Hama, thousands have taken to the streets wav...