Local Syrians react to news of Assad regime change [Video]

After decades of brutal leadership, the Assad family is no longer ruling Syria. There has been an astonishing turn of events in this part of the Middle East over the last week and a half. Rebels now hold the country’s capital Damascus, and deposed leader Bashar Al-Assad has fled to Russia.

The events happening half a world away are close to the heart of Mohammad El Tawil. He left Syria 30 years ago, looking to make a better life for himself here in the United States, starting a restaurant and raising a family. He watched as the Assad family brutalize his homeland. 

“50 years,” said El Tawil. “More than 50 years they controlled the country, they controlled people, controlled business, controlled everything.”

El Tawil said he spoke with family still in Syria. “Today they are happy, because something good came to be something they think positive, you know,” said El …