 has swiftly moved to consolidate control over Syria. Led by Abu Mohammed al-Golani.){kind=link}
Following the sudden overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has swiftly moved to consolidate control over Syria. Led by Ahmad al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, HTS is reshaping the nation’s government while addressing pressing challenges. However, concerns are growing about how inclusive and fair the new administration will be.
HTS Establishes Interim Government
After Assad’s ouster, HTS wasted no time installing a new government. Key officials from their previous administration in Idlib, a region they controlled during the civil war, have taken up posts in Damascus. Mohammed al-Bashir, formerly the head of Idlib’s regional government, has been named interim prime minister.
The interim government has pledged to bring stability to Syria. Its priorities include restoring essential services, increasing wages for state employees, and facilitating the return of millions of refugees. Bashir has stated that he will step down by March 2025, but doubts remain about the inclusivity of the transitional process.
Promises of Inclusivity Raise Questions
HTS has promised to protect minority groups and involve all Syrian communities in governance. The critics argue that key decisions, such as appointing ministers, have largely involved HTS loyalists from Idlib. Opposition groups and international diplomats have expressed concerns over the lack of representation for Syria’s diverse population.
Syria is home to various ethnicities and religious sects, making inclusivity critical for long-term stability. Observers worry that the current approach could marginalise non-HTS factions, leading to unrest or resistance.
HTS Efforts to Restore Order and Services
HTS has begun taking steps to rebuild Syria’s infrastructure and restore a sense of normalcy. Police officers from Idlib have been deployed to Damascus to manage traffic and maintain order. Government offices are reopening, and employees have been encouraged to return to work.
Salaries, which were as low as $25 a month under Assad, will be increased to match Idlib’s minimum wage of $100. HTS officials have assured Syrians that funds will be used transparently to rebuild the nation’s economy.
Despite these efforts, the scale of destruction after 13 years of war presents enormous challenges. Syria’s economy remains devastated, and international sanctions have left the country with limited resources.
Potential Risks to Stability
While HTS has gained public approval for ousting Assad, the group faces significant risks. Rival factions, some of which remain armed, control areas near the borders with Jordan and Turkey. These groups have a history of conflict with HTS, raising fears of future clashes.
The lack of a unified opposition could further destabilize the country. Rebel groups and opposition leaders must work together to create a fair and inclusive government. Without broad participation, HTS risks alienating large segments of the population.
International Concerns and Expectations from HTS
The international community has taken a cautious approach to HTS’s leadership. The United States and other nations have urged HTS to form an inclusive transitional government. Diplomatic missions in Damascus have raised concerns about the absence of opposition leaders in the political process.
Key issues, such as drafting a new constitution, remain unresolved. The process must involve input from all Syrian communities to ensure legitimacy. Free and fair elections, as outlined in U.N. Security Council Resolution 2254, will be a critical test for HTS’s ability to govern inclusively.
A Critical Moment for Syria
HTS faces a delicate balance between consolidating authority and ensuring broad-based support. While it has made progress in restoring basic services and maintaining order, it must involve technocrats and representatives from all of Syria’s communities to avoid the perception of authoritarianism.
The road ahead is fraught with challenges. Syria’s diversity, coupled with lingering divisions among rebel factions, makes unity difficult but essential. The new leadership must seize this moment to build a government that reflects the aspirations of all Syrians.
HTS’s next steps will determine whether Syria can transition to a stable, inclusive state or face renewed conflict. For now, the nation remains in flux, with hopes of a brighter future tempered by the complexities of rebuilding a fractured society.