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 ArticlesBeware Beijing’s Subtle Propaganda Offensive on Western PlatformsOct 12, 2025China’s Political and Cyber Warfare: Why Canada Needs to Wake Up NowSep 08, 2025The Threat From Far-Right Extremists Pales in Comparison to Jihadi TerrorismJul 14, 2025Is Canada Finally Taking the China Technology Threat Seriously?Jul 07, 2025