On Monday, Syria marked one year since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's 53-year rule. The end came after an 11-day rebel offensive that surprised the world and closed a brutal 14-year civil war. The war left 620,000 dead and shattered the regime’s feared security system. Assad and his family now live quietly in Moscow under Russian protection. Syrians gathered in Damascus and across the country to celebrate. They raised the revolutionary three-starred Syrian flag and chanted for freedom. Ahmad al-Sharaa, the new president, vowed in a speech to build a "strong and just Syria" and to rebuild the war-torn nation. Yet beneath the celebrations, many Syrians face hard truths. Ayman Ali, wounded in rebel fights, says he has freedom but not justice. The man he wanted held accountable fled the country years ago. Violence continues, especially against former Assad supporters and minorities. In Homs, attacks and killings happen despite an amnesty for many former regime figures. President Sharaa has successfully restored Syria’s global ties, meeting international leaders like Donald Trump and easing sanctions. This diplomacy excites many Syrians who see Syria returning to the world stage. Yet at home, slow progress on transitional justice fuels new violence and mistrust. Massacres against Alawite and Druze communities in coastal and southern provinces have heightened fears among minorities. Sweida province remains isolated, with calls for autonomy by hardline Druze leader Hikmat al-Hijri. Syria has set up councils for civil peace and transitional justice. Public trials of Assad loyalists for violent acts are underway but delayed. Small efforts, like forcing suspects to confess in front of victims, offer some relief but the national process moves slowly. Activists warn the government lacks a clear strategy and funds for justice remain scarce. The fragile peace risks collapse without accountability. Civil society notes that democracy is missing from the new Syria. The new constitution concentrates power in the presidency. Parliamentary elections were held without popular votes, with most candidates appointed. Ayman Ali reflects on the change: "A year ago, people wouldn’t dare complain about the price of a kilo of onions. Now they are calling for ministers to resign." But he fears revenge could undo progress. "If every person took justice into their own hands, the country would collapse," he said. "We’ve spent 14 years exhausted, displaced. Either we throw that away or we build a state."