ViewpointsOpinionIt Would Be a Mistake to Label Syria an Ex-terrorist Haven Just YetSavePrintRebel fighters fire in the air during celebrations in the heart of Homs, Syria, on Dec. 8, 2024. Bakar Alkasem/AFP via Getty ImagesPhil Gurski12/9/2024|Updated: 12/9/20240:00X 1CommentaryAssad is gone from Syria. Hip hip hooray. Actually, let’s wait a minute before celebrating.We had a problem loading this article. Please enable javascript or use a different browser. If the issue persists, please visit our help center.Share this articleLeave a commentPhil GurskiAuthorPhil Gurski spent 32 years working at Canadian intelligence agencies and is a specialist in terrorism. He is the author of six books on terrorism.Author’s Selected ArticlesWhat Does the Bondi Beach Attack Say About Today’s Terrorism?Dec 19, 2025Who Watches the Chinese Watchers?Dec 18, 2025Post-Secondary Institutions in the West Should Never Bend to Pressure From BeijingNov 24, 2025Clampdown on Christians in China: Christianity With ‘Chinese Characteristics’?Oct 28, 2025