A year ago, rebels overthrew President Bashar al-Assad, ending decades of dictatorship and civil war. But challenges remain for the new leadership.

© David Guttenfelder/The New York Times

The country certainly still faces many challenges. But some things are now going right there — and those are worth our attention, too.

© David Guttenfelder/The New York Times

Syrians crave a normal life so fiercely that almost any alternative to al-Assad feels like salvation. That longing is where illusion begins.