Hundreds of Syrians gathered in central Damascus on Friday to protest soaring prices, electricity shortages, and a lack of basic services — a rare public demonstration in a country where such gatherings were recently met with severe punishment. Counter-protesters also took to the streets in support of Syria's new authorities (who came to power following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government), with clashes breaking out as some demonstrators reported being physically attacked. The event highlights a deepening tension in post-Assad Syria between citizens demanding immediate economic relief and those urging patience while the new leadership consolidates power.