Syria’s rebel leader, Ahmed al-Shara, has vowed to disband all armed factions in the country, bringing their fighters under the authority of the defense ministry. This move comes as the new government tries to rebuild a functioning state after 14 years of civil war.
Al-Shara made the announcement on Monday, saying that “everyone will be subject to the law.” However, it was unclear how this would be achieved or whether competing armed factions in the country would agree.
The US and several other countries still consider Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, led by al-Shara, a terrorist organization. But Syria’s new leaders have been meeting with Western diplomats in an effort to secure international recognition of their legitimacy.
As part of this push for stability, Syria’s government is working to reopen its international airports and get public institutions back up and running. Preparations are underway to launch administrative updates on central bank exchange rates and recruitment calls for the police.
The new interior ministry has also announced plans to expand the police force, with applicants encouraged to enroll in police academies across the country. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has evolved from a branch of Al Qaeda but has attempted to shed its extremist roots in recent years.
Al-Shara emphasized the need for reconstruction and inclusion during an interview with The New York Times. “Syria is tired of wars, and we want to build a state and institutions away from conflicts,” he said.
The European Union has also expressed support for Syria’s reconstruction efforts, with President Ursula von der Leyen stating that they would need to engage with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and other factions to help the country rebuild.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/17/world/middleeast/syria-government-al-shara.html