Syria’s Post-Assad Pulse Check

AI Summary

Following the December 2024 collapse of the Assad regime, Syria's new President Ahmed al-Sharaa has shown pragmatism in stabilizing the country, though challenges remain from minority groups and Kurdish autonomy concerns. The article provides a pulse check on Syria's post-Assad transition, assessing both domestic and foreign policy dynamics. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham's role in defeating Assad forces and the new leadership's legitimacy are central themes.

In December 2024, forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham defeated Assad regime forces, leading to the regime’s collapse and raising hopes for an end to Syria’s brutal civil war. Since then, President Ahmed al Sharaa has impressed many Syrians and foreign observers with his pragmatism and ability to stabilize the country. However, the path to peace has not been smooth. Many minority groups in the country feared a Sunni leader with a jihadist background, and the Kurds of the Syrian Democratic Forces were reluctant to surrender their hard-won autonomy. In addition to managing domestic challenges, al Sharaa has had to The post Syria’s Post-Assad Pulse Check appeared first on War on the Rocks.