Syria's rebel leaders face daunting post-Assad challenges

[MIDDLE EAST] The echoes of celebratory gunfire have faded in Damascus, marking the end of Bashar al-Assad's 50-year reign of oppression. Syria's rebel leaders, spearheaded by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) under Ahmed al-Sharaa, have achieved what once seemed impossible – toppling the Assad regime. However, the jubilation is tempered by the daunting task that lies ahead: governing a nation fractured by over a decade of civil war.

As the dust settles on this seismic shift in Syrian politics, the world watches with bated breath. The question on everyone's lips is: Now what? How will these rebel leaders, accustomed to fighting from the fringes, transition into effective governors of a war-torn nation?

The New Power Structure

Ahmed al-Sharaa: Syria's De Facto Leader

At the helm of this new Syria stands Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Jolani. As the leader of HTS, Sharaa has emerged as the country's de facto leader, steering the ship through turbulent waters.

Sharaa's journey from a militant leader to a political figure has been nothing short of remarkable. His group, HTS, has its roots in the al-Nusra Front, which was once aligned with al-Qaida and the Islamic State. However, Sharaa's pivot towards local Syrian governance over global jihad led to a split from these terrorist organizations by 2017.

The Rebel Alliance

The rebel offensive that toppled Assad was not the work of HTS alone. A coalition of insurgent groups, including the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and various Turkey-backed militant groups, played crucial roles in the lightning-fast campaign that saw the fall of major cities like Aleppo, Hama, and eventually Damascus.

This diverse alliance now faces the challenge of working together in peacetime, a task that may prove more difficult than their military cooperation.

Immediate Challenges

Unifying a Fragmented Nation

The most pressing challenge for Syria's new leadership is unifying a country cleaved apart by years of civil war. The nation is rife with heavily armed militias and remnants of the old regime, each with their own agendas and loyalties.

Sharaa and his allies must navigate this complex web of factions, balancing competing interests while working towards a cohesive national identity. The task is monumental, but crucial for Syria's stability and future.

Establishing State Control

In a recent press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Sharaa emphasized that all weapons in the country would come under state control. This includes arms held by Kurdish-led forces, a move that signals Sharaa's intent to consolidate power and prevent the emergence of rival armed groups.

"We will absolutely not allow there to be weapons in the country outside state control, whether from the revolutionary factions or the factions present in the SDF area," Sharaa stated. This declaration sets the stage for potential conflict with groups unwilling to relinquish their arms, particularly in regions like northeastern Syria where Kurdish forces have maintained a degree of autonomy.

Restructuring the Military

Sharaa has announced plans to restructure Syria's military, stating that armed "factions will begin to announce their dissolution and enter" the army. This integration of rebel forces into a national military structure is a critical step towards establishing a unified security apparatus.

However, the process is likely to be fraught with challenges. Integrating fighters with diverse backgrounds, ideologies, and loyalties into a cohesive force will require careful planning and execution.

Governance and International Relations

Transitional Government

In the immediate aftermath of Assad's fall, the rebels directed the former Prime Minister, Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali, to maintain his role alongside his cabinet until a transitional team is appointed. This move suggests a desire for continuity in basic governance functions while a new structure is established.

However, the exact form of the future government remains uncertain. Sharaa has spoken of aspirations to establish a government characterized by institutions and a "council elected by the populace". Translating this vision into reality while balancing the interests of various factions will be a delicate task.

International Recognition and Diplomacy

As Syria's new leadership seeks to establish legitimacy on the world stage, international recognition will be crucial. The response of global powers to this dramatic shift in Syrian politics will significantly impact the country's future.

Turkey, which played a supportive role in the rebel offensive, has already engaged with the new leadership. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan's recent meeting with Sharaa suggests that Ankara is ready to work with the new Syrian government.

However, other regional and global powers may be more hesitant. The reaction of countries like Russia and Iran, long-time allies of the Assad regime, will be particularly important to watch.

Economic Challenges and Reconstruction

Sanctions and Economic Recovery

One of the most pressing issues facing Syria's new leadership is the country's dire economic situation. Years of conflict and international sanctions have left the Syrian economy in tatters.

During his meeting with the Turkish Foreign Minister, Sharaa urged for the lifting of sanctions on Syria. Removing these economic barriers will be crucial for attracting the foreign investment needed to rebuild the country's shattered infrastructure and revive its economy.

Rebuilding Infrastructure

The task of rebuilding Syria's cities and infrastructure is monumental. Years of conflict have left much of the country in ruins, with essential services like electricity, water, and healthcare systems severely damaged or destroyed.

Prioritizing reconstruction efforts while managing limited resources will be a significant challenge for the new government. The ability to deliver tangible improvements in living conditions will be crucial for maintaining public support and stability.

Addressing Sectarian Concerns

Protecting Minority Rights

Syria's diverse religious and ethnic landscape adds another layer of complexity to the governance challenge. Minority communities, such as Alawites, Ismailis, Druze, and Christians, may be apprehensive about their future under an Islamist-led government.

Sharaa and his allies must work to allay these fears and ensure the protection of minority rights. Their success in this area will be crucial for maintaining social cohesion and preventing further conflict.

Implementing Sharia Law

The rebels have indicated their intention to implement Sharia law, which has raised concerns among some segments of the population. How strictly this Islamic legal system will be interpreted and applied, and how it will coexist with Syria's secular traditions, remains to be seen.

Striking a balance between religious principles and the diverse needs of Syria's population will be a key challenge for the new leadership.

Regional Implications

Kurdish Question

The status of Syria's Kurdish population, particularly in the northeast where they have maintained a degree of autonomy, remains a contentious issue. Sharaa's statement about bringing all weapons under state control directly challenges the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

How the new Syrian leadership navigates this issue will have significant implications not only for internal stability but also for relations with neighboring countries, particularly Turkey, which views Kurdish autonomy as a security threat.

Relations with Neighbors

Syria's relationships with its neighbors, particularly Lebanon and Turkey, will be crucial in the coming months and years. Sharaa has already met with Lebanese Druze leaders, vowing to end "negative interference" in the neighboring country.

Balancing regional relationships while focusing on internal stability will be a delicate diplomatic dance for Syria's new leaders.

The fall of Assad's regime marks a new chapter in Syria's tumultuous history. The rebel leaders who now find themselves at the helm face the enormous task of transitioning from insurgents to effective governors.

Their success or failure in addressing the myriad challenges – from unifying a fractured nation and rebuilding a shattered economy to navigating complex international relations – will determine Syria's future. The world watches with a mix of hope and apprehension as this new Syria takes its first tentative steps towards an uncertain future.

As Ahmed al-Sharaa and his allies grapple with these challenges, their ability to balance competing interests, maintain stability, and deliver tangible improvements to the lives of ordinary Syrians will be crucial. The coming months and years will reveal whether Syria's rebel leaders can transform their military victory into lasting peace and prosperity for a nation that has known little of either in recent years.