Long queues have formed in Damascus as former soldiers from the ousted Assad regime seek registration for a promised general amnesty. Approximately 35,000 ex-soldiers have signed up, aiming for reconciliation under new leadership, including the integration of rebel militias into a revamped Syrian army. Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former rebel leader, has been appointed defense minister, while diplomatic efforts continue to gain international support and address regional conflicts, particularly with Kurdish forces.
Long Lines in Damascus for Amnesty Registration
On Sunday, a significant number of men formed lengthy queues outside an administrative building in Damascus, some wielding assault rifles. This trend has been observed throughout Syria for several days. These individuals are former soldiers from the ousted Assad regime’s army, now seeking to secure the general amnesty that the Syrian transitional government has promised them. By registering at designated centers and surrendering their weapons, they are issued a card that shields them from legal prosecution and arrest.
Reconciliation and Integration of Rebel Militias
Official reports indicate that approximately 35,000 ex-soldiers have already registered, with numbers expected to rise. This reconciliation initiative highlights the new leadership’s intention to swiftly restore order and strengthen their authority in Syria. A key aspect of this plan includes the disbanding of various rebel militias and their integration into a reformed Syrian army.
Recent developments have clarified who will manage this transition. On Saturday, Ahmed al-Sharaa, the rebel leader formerly known by his combat name Abu Mohammed al-Julani, appointed Murhaf Abu Kasra as the new defense minister. Kasra, like Sharaa, is part of the leadership of the Islamist militia Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) based in Idlib, which played a pivotal role in the uprising against Assad. He is known to have led multiple military operations in recent years.
At present, Ahmed al-Sharaa remains the public figurehead for the new Syria. The former Al-Qaeda member has swapped his military attire for a suit and tie, engaging with a stream of diplomats. Recently, he hosted Jordan’s foreign minister and Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt, both of whom were welcomed as part of his efforts to gain international support.
Additionally, Sharaa held discussions with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who offered assistance for reconstruction efforts. Together, they called for the removal of international sanctions imposed on Syria. They likely also addressed the ongoing situation in northeastern Syria, where Turkey-backed militias are actively confronting the Kurdish units of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
While Turkey’s official stance is to dismantle the SDF, Sharaa’s aim is to disarm them and incorporate them into the new Syrian army. The Kurdish autonomy project in Syria faces uncertain prospects ahead. This past weekend, the SDF expressed willingness to negotiate, contingent on a ceasefire with the pro-Turkish militias.
A particularly notable visit took place on Friday when Barbara Leaf, the White House’s Middle East envoy, confirmed the lifting of the $10 million bounty on Sharaa following their meeting. Leaf described Sharaa as “pragmatic,” assuring that terrorist groups in Syria would not threaten the U.S. and its allies. Nevertheless, HTS continues to be designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S., EU, and UN.