Celebrating one year since the toppling of longtime dictator Bashar al-Assad, Syrians this week are taking to the streets of Damascus in scenes of mass joy accompanied by fireworks, festive music, and the new national flag. But while the large crowds of jubilant celebrants are an illuminating glimpse into the brutality of the Assad regime and how it impacted everyday Syrians, the reality is still grim today for many Syrians living in post-Assad Syria under the leadership of President Ahmed al-Sharaa.