The fall of Syria's President Bahsar al-Assad has significant implications for national security and the pursuit of peace in the Middle East. President-elect Donald Trump's goal of restoring peace to the region now hinges on the future of Syria. The next chapter for Syria is uncertain, as it remains to be seen whether the rebels who toppled Assad will work towards recovery or return to their al Qaeda roots. Russia and Iran have suffered losses with the fall of Assad, and the situation presents both geopolitical satisfaction and concerns over the rise of ISIS. The US forces in Syria play a crucial role in the ongoing mission to defeat ISIS and will continue to monitor the situation closely.