Syrian diaspora across Europe reacts to the downfall of Bashar al-Assad

After more than a decade of conflict, Syrian refugees and exiles across Europe are reacting with disbelief, relief, and joy at the reported downfall of Bashar al-Assad. For many, this moment marks the end of a painful chapter in Syrian history, one defined by dictatorship, repression, and war.

“We can’t even believe it because it was a dream, really a dream,” says Amal Rifard, a Syrian refugee living in France. “We’ve been waiting for a…