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Learning English from the News

Upper intermediate level

Rebels defeat Assad in Syria

Episode 241211 / 11 Dec 2024

(Photo by Borna News/Matin Ghasemi/Aksonline ATPImages via Getty Images)

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The story

Syrian rebels have taken control of the country after defeating Bashar al-Assad and his forces.

Bashar, who ruled Syria for 24 years, has left the country and is now in Moscow.

Mohammed al-Bashir has become the temporary prime minister, according to local media.

Many Syrians are celebrating the end of Assad’s rule, but the future of the country is uncertain.

News headlines

After Ousting Assad, Syrian Rebels Rush to Impose Order in Damascus
Wall Street Journal

How it happened: Two seismic weeks that toppled Syria’s government
AP News

How the world got Syria Wrong
Foreign Policy Magazine

Key words and phrases

oust
force someone to leave their job or position

  • The headteacher has been ousted by the school governors. He was corrupt.

seismic
describes a large and powerful impact

  • The new law is a seismic change for human rights in the country.

get someone or something wrong 
misunderstand someone or something

  • I got the new CEO wrong. She cares a lot about her employees.

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