Final answer:
Mahmoud's family is likely leaving Syria due to the harsh regime rule with a lack of democratic processes, oppression, and the danger posed by ongoing conflict and instability.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mahmoud's family likely needs to leave Syria due to the ongoing conflict and lack of democratic reforms in the country. Since the rule of the al-Assad family, which took power in a coup in 1970, the country has been led by the Alawite minority, often suppressing dissent and maintaining control through military might. The government of Bashar al-Assad, son of Hafiz al-Assad, has faced accusations of human rights violations, including the deaths of protesters, detentions, and torture. Protests that started to demand democratic changes and the end of the Assad family's reign were met with harsh crackdowns. The situation has been exacerbated by international sanctions and regional dynamics, including Syria's intricate relationships with Lebanon and involvement in larger regional conflicts.
Due to these factors, and the Assad regime's tight grip on power alongside the rise of extremist factions promoting a Sunni Muslim theocracy, Syria remains unstable and dangerous, leaving many families like Mahmoud's with no choice but to flee in search of safety. The country is fractured and vulnerable to continuous instability and potential external attacks, making it difficult for citizens to live in peace.