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 U.S. military more than doubled the number of troops it has in Syria to fight ISIS prior to the collapse of the Assad regime earlier this month. Pentagon officials have long said the United States had about 900 troops in the country,

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.