Syria is experiencing significant political changes with transitional president al-Sharaa, who aims for inclusivity amid skepticism from citizens, especially minorities and women. Following the fall of Assad, al-Sharaa’s shift from extremism raises mixed reactions. The economy is devastated, necessitating broad participation in rebuilding efforts. He has introduced the concept of democracy, though elections are delayed due to logistical challenges. Meanwhile, citizens are actively engaging in civil initiatives, reflecting a complex path toward stability and governance.
A New Political Era Unfolds in Syria
For the past two months, Syria has been undergoing a remarkable transformation in its political landscape. The transitional president, al-Sharaa, presents himself as a moderate figure determined to foster inclusivity among various factions. However, many citizens remain skeptical about the sincerity of these promises.
Following the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad by the Islamist coalition, Haiat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former jihadist, was appointed as the transitional president at the end of January.
Anas Joudeh, a lawyer based in Damascus, suggests that while al-Sharaa’s self-appointment raises concerns, it is not entirely surprising given the context of revolutions, which often lead to unexpected leadership changes.
Skepticism is particularly pronounced among members of minority communities and women. In his inaugural television interview, al-Sharaa aimed to reassure these groups, emphasizing the need for a united society to rebuild Syria.
“The state must ensure security for all communities, including those that have faced hostility in the past. We cannot reconstruct Syria unless we stand together,” he stated.
Al-Sharaa’s Shift from Extremism
Since 2016, al-Sharaa has distanced himself from Al-Qaeda, a move that has elicited mixed reactions from experts; some view it as credible, while others express doubt.
Incidents of violence against minorities appear to be rare, and women living under HTS rule in Idlib report no forced imposition of headscarves or work restrictions.
Nonetheless, a video surfaced showing the current justice minister, appointed by HTS, overseeing the execution of women sentenced to death by a Sharia court a decade ago.
Additionally, there are rising reports of revenge attacks against Alawites affiliated with the previous regime, with families like that of Mohammed Hazem from Tartus expressing concern over the unexplained disappearance of loved ones.
For many Syrians, these shifting power dynamics evoke a complex mix of hope and uncertainty.
In northeastern Syria, the humanitarian situation remains dire. Thousands have been yearning for peace for years, facing a grim reality.
The Path to Reconstruction
The country’s economy is in tatters, and the infrastructure is devastated after 14 years of conflict. The new leadership understands that they cannot afford to alienate any social groups during the monumental task of rebuilding.
Transitional president al-Sharaa acknowledges the potential of the Syrian people, stating, “The Syrians possess expertise, a strong work ethic, diligence, and perseverance. They are skilled and ready to work.”
He emphasizes that for every sector that requires rebuilding, they will seek out the necessary professionals—engineers, construction workers, financial experts, and agricultural specialists.
Reports indicate that the HTS coalition has been dissolved and integrated into the Syrian army. In a recent interview, al-Sharaa assured that the transitional government, currently composed entirely of HTS loyalists, would undergo reform within a month to include a broader array of political voices from all sectors of society.
The new administration in Syria has initiated critical steps toward reshaping the state’s future.
Democracy on the Horizon
For the first time since assuming power, al-Sharaa mentioned the term “democracy” during the interview. He pointed out that elections and a new constitution are essential for ensuring representation for all citizens.
However, he also noted that these processes have been postponed for “three or four years” due to the complexities of conducting elections, including the significant number of Syrians currently abroad and the lack of official documentation for many.
Moreover, some regions remain outside state control, complicating the logistics of holding elections. “Elections necessitate an infrastructure that must be built over time,” the transitional president explained.
In the meantime, citizens are taking matters into their own hands, bolstering civil society. For instance, in one suburb of Damascus, 19 volunteers have formed a committee to manage public services like waste collection.
One volunteer, Salem Almograbi, expressed a sentiment shared by many: “Right now, we do not expect much from the transitional government, which feels temporary. We will patiently await the promised national dialogue and the drafting of a new constitution.”
This evolving situation continues to be monitored and reported on, reflecting the complexities of Syria’s ongoing journey toward stability and governance.