This photograph taken in Moscow on December 9, 2024, shows front pages of some of Russia's national newspapers, dominated by stories about the fall of Syria's President Bashar al-Assad. The Kremlin declined on December 9, 2024 to confirm reports that toppled Syrian president Bashar al-Assad had fled to Moscow, adding that it was "surprised" by the rebel takeover. (Photo by Alexander NEMENOV / AFP)