New Beginnings: Syria Navigates Challenges After Assad’s Exodus
One year ago, the war that President Bashar al-Assad seemed to have won was turned upside down.
A rebel force had broken out of Idlib, a Syrian province on the border with Turkey, and was storming towards Damascus. It was led by a man known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, and his militia group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
Today, al-Jolani, whose real name is Ahmed al-Sharaa, stands as the interim president, while Assad is exiled in Russia. Though Syria remains in ruins, there is a palpable sense of relief without the oppressive influence of the Assads.
As I traveled through the country in recent weeks, I found communities struggling to rebuild from the devastation, living in skeletal structures battered by years of conflict.
Sharaa, having gained recognition abroad, faces significant challenges at home. The Kurds control the northeast, while parts of the south seek autonomy. Alawites, Assad's demographic base, are wary of their safety following recent sectarian violence.
The new government has made strides in securing international dialogue, notably engaging with Saudi Arabia and the US. However, lingering distrust among many Syrians stems from Sharaa's past affiliations with extremist groups.
In recent diplomatic engagements, Sharaa has emerged as a key figure; notable events include a brief meeting with former President Trump, who described him as a 'young attractive tough guy'. This growing support from Western nations signals an opportunity for Syria's future, although sectarian tensions and reconciliation across different communities remain critical hurdles.
Furthermore, the situation remains precarious as Islamic State (IS) sends threats toward his administration despite their weakened presence in the region. The UN has reported ongoing human rights violations, which only exacerbate the societal divides.
Despite some semblance of normalcy returning, many regions lack basic services like healthcare and education, leaving citizens in a constant state of fear about their future. Syrian families express a deep yearning for peace and security amidst ongoing violence from Israeli airstrikes and internal strife.
As we reflect on the one-year anniversary of a new era, hope mingles with anxiety. While Syria has move beyond the Assads, the hard road ahead requires urgent attention to rebuild trust and stability for a better future for its people.
