After Assad: Can Syria’s Rebels Rebuild a Nation of Hope?

Assad regime ends in Syria as rebels claim Damascus

The streets of Damascus echoed with celebration as the Assad regime’s grip on Syria came to an end. But amid the jubilation, a daunting question looms: what happens now? With Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) at the helm, Syria’s future hangs in the balance. Can the group transform from rebels to responsible rulers?

Let’s break this down together.

The Challenge of Governance

Imagine inheriting a fractured country. That’s precisely the situation HTS faces. After years of fighting in their northern stronghold of Idlib, they now find themselves in charge of a diverse and wary population. Their first task? Winning hearts and minds.

HTS leaders have been quick to emphasize inclusivity. Social media buzzed with messages promising a Syria for all Syrians. Yet, actions speak louder than words, and skeptics are watching closely. Will HTS lead with openness, or will it impose a rigid rule similar to the one Syrians fought to overthrow?

A Glimpse into HTS Governance

To understand HTS’s approach, we can look at Aleppo, a city they captured before reaching Damascus. Services were restored swiftly, and ministers from Idlib were sent to oversee operations. However, these ministers aren’t household names yet. Even in Damascus, few people can name the new prime minister, Mohammed al-Bashir.

And that’s part of the problem. For many Syrians, these leaders feel like strangers. The streets buzz with calls for elections and a government truly representative of Syria’s many sects and ethnicities.

International Expectations

Let’s not forget the international stage. Countries like the U.S. have made their stance clear: any recognition of Syria’s new government depends on transparency and inclusivity. Antony Blinken’s recent statement stressed the need for a Syrian-led political transition.

That’s a tall order for HTS, a group with roots in al-Qaeda. While they’ve tried to rebrand, many still question their commitment to democracy.

Winning Over Syrians

The real test for HTS isn’t just international approval—it’s convincing everyday Syrians that life under their rule will be better. The group has promised to rebuild institutions, release political prisoners, and provide economic stability.

But let’s be real: promises are easy to make. Delivering on them is another story.

What’s Next?

As HTS consolidates power, its leader, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, faces a critical decision. Will he step back and allow a pluralistic government to emerge? Or will HTS continue to operate with a top-down approach, as it has in Idlib?

For Syrians, the hope is simple: a future with stability, dignity, and representation. Whether HTS can deliver that future remains to be seen.

 #Syria #HTS #AssadFall #SyrianRebels #RebuildingSyria

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