The liberation of Syria from the Assad regime has brought about a mix of emotions for its people, who have endured years of war. On the first two Assad-free Fridays, millions took to the streets to celebrate and express themselves freely, with women playing a significant role in this historic moment. However, the reality is that many Syrians have lost loved ones to torture and death, and dozens of mass graves have been discovered.
The fall of the regime was largely due to the discipline and social intelligence shown by the rebel coalition led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The leadership’s commitment to non-dictatorial values and its ability to build trust with various communities has made it a key player in Syria’s transition. HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, has demonstrated intelligence and pragmatism in navigating the complex Syrian society.
The new government, led by Mohammad al-Bashir, faces challenges such as ensuring inclusiveness in the constitution-drafting process, particularly for Alawites and secularists. The opposition’s coalition is also plagued by governance issues and foreign influence. However, Syria has made significant progress in liberating itself from Russian and Iranian occupations, albeit with ongoing complexities.
The biggest threats to Syria’s stability come from external forces, including Turkey and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). The Turkish-funded militias have abused civilians, while the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have also been accused of human rights abuses. The EU and US have imposed “pre-emptive” sanctions on Syria, which has left many Syrians without economic support.
Despite these challenges, Syria’s future is uncertain, but one thing is clear – the Syrian people will play a crucial role in shaping their country’s destiny. As Robin Yassin-Kassab notes, the liberation of Syria marks a new chapter in its history, and it’s time for the international community to welcome this new era with open arms.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/dec/22/syria-russia-iran-freedom-assad-turkey-israel