Assad's regime is conducive to the return of the Islamic State. According to the BBC, the commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces, Mazlum Abdi, warns of increased IS activity and the threat of prisoners being freed.

Assad's regime sets the stage for the potential return of the Islamic State. According to the BBC, the commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces, Mazloum Abdi, warns of increased Islamic State activity and the threat of prison breakouts.

The toppling of Bashar Assad has raised tentative hopes that Syrians might live peacefully and as equals after a half century of authoritarian rule.

In the midst of the scramble for a new Syria, the country's musicians are warily eyeing the Islamist rebel leadership and hoping to build on hard-won achievements made during the almost 14-year civil war.

The United States has been carrying out periodic strikes and raids to help prevent a resurgence of IS in Syria - Pictures from History American forces have killed an Islamic State (IS) leader in a “precision strike” in Syria.