• Syria's political landscape is shifting with the fall of President Bashar al-Assad's regime and the appointment of interim Prime Minister Mohammed al-Bashir.
• The U.S. urges the new leadership to form an inclusive transitional government that respects minority rights and prevents Syria from becoming a base for terrorism.
• Syrians are returning home with hope, despite ongoing Israeli airstrikes and uncertainty surrounding the new government.
• The international community is closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing the need for stability and inclusivity in the transitional government.

Syria is currently experiencing a significant shift in its political landscape. The long-standing civil war, which has ravaged the country for over a decade, seems to be reaching a turning point. The rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former al Qaeda affiliate, have successfully toppled President Bashar al-Assad's regime. The newly appointed interim Prime Minister, Mohammed al-Bashir, a figure previously unknown to most Syrians, has taken the helm of the country's administration.

Al-Bashir, who previously led the rebel-led Salvation Government, has been appointed to lead the interim authority until March 1. His appointment was announced on state television, where he was seen flanked by two flags - the green, black, and white flag flown by opponents of Assad throughout the civil war, and a white flag with the Islamic oath of faith in black writing, typically flown in Syria by Sunni Islamist fighters.

The U.S. has urged the rebels not to assume automatic leadership of the country but to run an inclusive process to form a transitional government. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that the new government must uphold clear commitments to fully respect the rights of minorities, facilitate the flow of humanitarian assistance to all in need, and prevent Syria from being used as a base for terrorism or posing a threat to its neighbors.

Syrian Refugees Return Amid Hope and Uncertainty

The fall of Assad's regime has sparked a wave of hope among Syrians, many of whom have begun returning home. European countries have paused asylum applications from Syrians, leading to refugees from Turkey and elsewhere making their way back to their homeland. One such refugee, Ala Jabeer, expressed hope that things would be better than under Assad's government. He returns to Syria without his wife and three of his children, who tragically died in earthquakes that struck the region last year.

In Damascus, life is gradually returning to normalcy. Banks have reopened for the first time since Assad's overthrow, shops have resumed business, traffic has returned to the roads, and there are fewer armed men about. However, the situation remains precarious, with Israeli airstrikes targeting military bases linked to the Assad regime. Israel has also sent forces across the border into a demilitarized zone inside Syria, creating an additional security problem for the new administration.

The U.S. is still working out how it will engage with the rebel groups. U.S. Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer stated that there had been no formal change of policy and that actions were what counted. He added that U.S. troops in northeastern Syria as part of a counter-terrorism mission would be staying there.

International Response and Future Prospects

The United Nations Security Council met behind closed doors to discuss the rapidly unfolding situation in Syria. Russian UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia expressed shock at how quickly Assad's overthrow unfolded, after a 13-year civil war that was locked in stalemate for years.

The appointment of al-Bashir marks a significant shift for Syria, which has been embroiled in conflict since March 2011. The announcement was made amid signs of life returning to normalcy within the capital of Damascus, where banks and shops began reopening. Al-Bashir, who leads the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham-led Syrian Salvation Government, will be acting as caretaker until March 1, 2025. He emphasized the importance of stability, telling Al Jazeera, Now it is time for the people to enjoy stability and calm.

This changeover accompanies the dramatic exit of Assad, who reportedly fled to Moscow as rebels fast-tracked their takeover of the capital. Previously, al-Bashir managed the de facto administration within the rebel-held territory of Idlib, demonstrating his political roots and experience as he steps forward to lead this transitional government.

The situation in Syria is fluid and evolving. The appointment of a new interim Prime Minister and the fall of Assad's regime have brought about a sense of hope among Syrians. However, the ongoing Israeli airstrikes and the uncertainty surrounding the formation of a new government pose significant challenges. The international community, including the U.S. and the UN, are closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing the need for an inclusive and stable transitional government. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining the future course of Syria.

Reset