Latest news with #HayatTahrirAl-Sham
Bloomberg
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Bloomberg
What's Happening in Syria, and Why Is Trump Lifting Sanctions?
By and Sam Dagher Save Since the toppling of President Bashar al-Assad's regime in December, Syrians who endured more than half a century of state repression and 13 years of civil conflict finally have a reason for optimism. Most of the country is now ruled by an interim government formed by an Islamist militia, Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, whose surprise push into Damascus forced Assad and his family to flee to Russia. Where once the Assad regime muzzled political discourse by routinely imprisoning and torturing those who spoke out, a vigorous debate over Syria's future is now under way on street corners and in cafes across the country while the new leadership tries to restore order and coax other former rebel groups to join a new national army.
Ya Libnan
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Ya Libnan
Ahmad al-Sharaa lost the opportunity to preserve Syria's unity
Ahmed al Sharaa, better known as Abu Mohammad al-Golani leader of Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) told CNN on December 5: 'These sects ( Alwawites, Christians and Druze) have coexisted in this region for hundreds of years, and no one has the right to eliminate them.' Golani has been saying the right things, but they proved to be hollow promises . The minorities have come under attack by Islamic extremists and since he has no army he could not protect them , his failure could shatter Syria if he doesn't act fast enough to reunite the country By Maher Al khatib Regardless of how the ongoing crisis with the Druze community unfolds, one thing is clear: interim Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa has squandered the opportunity to preserve the country's unity. This failure stems largely from the transgressions of armed factions affiliated with him. While Sharaa has repeatedly attempted to distance himself from these actions—portraying the official authorities as protectors of Syria's diverse sectarian and ethnic components—his subsequent efforts to broker agreements only underscore his lack of control. In light of this, the positions adopted by Syria's minority communities today—particularly their calls for international protection—should be understood as a response to this erosion of confidence. Few now believe that Sharaa is capable of guaranteeing their safety, especially as he has proven unable to rein in factions responsible for atrocities and as sectarian rhetoric intensifies at an alarming rate. According to sources cited by Al-Nashra , following the massacres on the Syrian coast in March, Sharaa attempted to frame the situation as a coup attempt driven by Iran and remnants of the former regime. He did so in the presence of several regional and international actors, a move that succeeded in temporarily softening their reactions. Still, this narrative holds little weight in the face of the current Druze crisis. These same sources explain that Sharaa's controversial rise to power—despite his known associations with terrorist groups—was initially justified on the belief that he could at least maintain a minimum level of stability. His appointment was seen as part of a broader strategy to reduce Iranian influence in the region, especially in the wake of events triggered by the October 7, 2023, regional upheaval. However, discussions are now reportedly taking place within influential circles about whether it is viable to continue with the current political formula. While no viable alternative has yet emerged, it is increasingly apparent that maintaining the status quo will only deepen Syria's instability and heighten security threats. Those who supported or enabled Sharaa's rise may ultimately be held responsible for the consequences. Crucially, the ongoing violations against minority communities have undermined any efforts by Sharaa to open a channel of dialogue with Washington. The United States continues to treat the Syrian government as a test case, demanding concrete concessions—particularly concerning its relationship with Israel. But even such concessions may not be enough to secure international legitimacy. Informed political circles also told Al-Nashra that the recent Israeli airstrike near the Presidential Palace cannot be interpreted solely as an act to protect the Druze community, as is being publicly suggested. Rather, it reflects Israel's broader security concerns about the situation in southern Syria. Regardless of Syria's internal dynamics, Tel Aviv has made it clear that it will not tolerate any future threats along its border. In this context, it is perplexing that some figures close to Sharaa continue to promote the idea that his removal from power would endanger regional security—a notion he himself hinted at in a past interview. According to political analysts, this narrative does not bolster his legitimacy; on the contrary, it amplifies doubts about his future conduct and intentions. They maintain that Sharaa has thus far failed to implement any meaningful internal reforms that could improve his standing. Ultimately, these observers conclude that Sharaa's ability to maneuver domestically is severely weakened. His hold on power cannot be sustained without major concessions—not only in relation to Israel but also regarding the structure of the regime itself. Furthermore, his increasingly strained relationship with allied factions may pose an additional risk. Some suggest that those who helped facilitate his rise may have done so precisely to reach this point: to compel Syria toward normalization with Israel and the acceptance of separatist solutions. El/ Nashar translated from Arabic/ Ya Libnan
Arab News
19-04-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
2024 - The fall of Bashar Assad
DUBAI: After almost 14 years of civil war, the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people and the displacement of millions, the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad collapsed more suddenly and dramatically than anyone thought possible. In the early hours of Dec. 8, 2024, as rebel forces bore down on the capital, Assad boarded a Russian military aircraft and flew to Hmeimim airbase, near Latakia. From there, he and his sons, Hafez and Karim, flew to Moscow where his wife, Asma, and their daughter, Zein, had already taken refuge. It marked the end of more than 50 years of a dynastic rule that began with his father, Hafez, who seized power in a bloodless military coup d'etat in 1970 and, upon his death in 2000, was succeeded by his son. The following day, state media in Russia, the country that had been Assad's greatest ally throughout the civil war, confirmed that he had been granted asylum. With a special all-black edition, Arab News devoted its entire front page to the 'historic day' that ended 53 years of Assad rule. A coalition of opposition forces, led by the group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, had launched an operation, codename 'Deterrence of Aggression,' in Idlib, northwestern Syria, just 12 days earlier. It was the single-largest rebel offensive since 2020, and unlike previous efforts, this time the opposition fighters had geopolitical events on their side, as a result of which Assad found his forces collapsing around him. With Russia still entangled in Ukraine and Iran preoccupied with Israeli attacks on its proxies in Yemen and Lebanon, morale among Syrian regime forces quickly crumbled when they realized that no one would be coming to their aid this time. In the face of the lightning advance of Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham and its allies, Iranian troops melted away into Iraq, and Russian units fell back to the ports of Latakia and Tartous. In neighboring Lebanon, Assad's long-time ally, Hezbollah, had suffered major blows in its war against Israel and was in no position to help defend him. In hindsight, it became apparent that the assassination three months earlier of Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, had been a pivotal moment in the unravelling of Assad's network of support. Ever since 2013, when he had announced Hezbollah was fighting in Syria, Nasrallah had been the driving force behind Hezbollah's defense of the Syrian regime. In a speech in May 2013 to mark the anniversary of Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon in 2000, Nasrallah said 'If Syria falls in the hands of America, Israel and the takfiris, the people of our region will go into a dark period. 'If Syria falls,' he added, 'Palestine will be lost.' On Sept. 27, 2024, Nasrallah was among dozens killed when Israeli aircraft struck Hezbollah's headquarters in southern Beirut. With its hands already full dealing with Israel's incursions into Lebanon, with Nasrallah's death Hezbollah was effectively removed from the Syrian equation. International Committee of the Red Cross confirms the Arab Spring uprising against Syrian President Bashar Assad, which began in March the previous year, has escalated into civil war. Iran sends Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps troops into Syria in support of Assad regime. Russia launches military intervention in Syria to protect Assad regime. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh assassinated in Iran. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah assassinated in Beirut. After 14 years of conflict, a coalition of opposition forces led by the group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham launches a surprise attack, codename Operation Deterrence of Aggression. Northern city of Aleppo falls to the opposition after brief battle. The opposition captures Hama and Homs in swift succession. Damascus falls and Assad flees the country. Assad was therefore left alone to face the reality of a staunch opposition bolstered by the cumulative effects of his ruthless regime on ordinary Syrians. The combined impacts of economic collapse, territorial fragmentation, decimated infrastructure, and widespread poverty affecting more than 90 percent of the population had turned even once-loyal soldiers into disillusioned cynics who, when the crunch came, chose to drop their weapons rather than fight for the president against opposition forces. The overthrow of the Assad regime, together with the decapitation of the leaderships of Hezbollah and Hamas, have contributed to the impression that the so-called 'Axis of Resistance,' an informal alliance between Iran, Iraq, Syria and militant groups in the region, has been weakened to the point where it cannot recover. For the Syrian people, the fall of Assad marked the return of hope. The world watched as Syrians took to the streets in celebration and thousands of political prisoners were released from the regime's notorious regime prisons. As foreign governments and media wondered what to expect from Ahmad Al-Sharaa, the former Al-Qaeda fighter who led Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham and its allies to their remarkable victory, many exiled Syrians began planning their return home, more than a decade after the start of a civil war that created the largest refugee crisis since the Second World War. According to UNHCR, the UN's refugee agency, more than 6.3 million Syrians are scattered across the world. Large numbers of them are languishing in makeshift shelters in refugee camps along Syria's borders. After the fall of Assad, events moved fast. Al-Sharaa, who was at pains to make clear that the success of his forces was a victory for all Syrians, announced the creation of an inclusive transitional government. Jubilant Syrians mark the ousting of President Bashar Assad in Damascus' Umayyad Square. AFP He has held a series of meetings with representatives of foreign governments, including Russia. On Feb. 12, President Vladimir Putin and Al-Sharaa spoke in person for the first time. The Kremlin later said 'the Russian side emphasized its principled position in support of the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Syrian state.' Al-Sharaa also had a meeting with a US delegation that traveled to Syria in December, which the Americans described as 'productive.' Washington subsequently rescinded a $10 million reward it offered seven years ago for his capture. Also among the more significant foreign visitors Al-Sharaa received during a busy few weeks was the Saudi foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan. Riyadh, the prince said, was working to help the new authorities in Syria free themselves from previously imposed international sanctions. On Jan. 30, the day after Al-Sharaa was named interim president of Syria by the transitional government, Saudi Arabia's King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman congratulated him on his appointment. Assad left Syria in ruins. The interim government and its new president are at the start of a complex process to reintroduce stability and quell unrest, while addressing the pressing challenges Syria faces, including national reconciliation, economic recovery, and the restoration of the country's relationships with the international community. On Jan. 31, during his first speech as president, Al-Sharaa addressed the 'defiant' Syrian men and women who helped liberate the country, and the 'oppressed,' as he vowed to 'pursue the criminals who shed Syrian blood and committed massacres and crimes.' While the actions of the interim government seem promising so far, the Syrian people are moving forward into a new era with an optimism that remains tempered by caution.
Arab News
19-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Syria president hosts Republican US congressman in Damascus
DAMASCUS: Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa has met with a US congressman, the Syrian presidency said on Saturday, the first such visit by an American lawmaker since the overthrow of longtime ruler Bashar Assad. Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani was also present at the meeting with Republican Cory Mills at the presidential palace in Damascus, a presidency statement said. Mills arrived in Syria on Friday along with Marlin Stutzman, another politician from the Republican party of US President Donald Trump. In late December, less than two weeks after a coalition spearheaded by Sharaa's Islamist group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham toppled Assad, Washington scrapped a long-standing reward for the arrest of the new leader. The decision to drop the bounty for Sharaa followed 'positive messages' from a first meeting with the new authorities, a senior US diplomat said at the time. The new government, dominated by Sharaa loyalists, has been pushing for Assad-era sanctions to be lifted to revive Syria's economy and support reconstruction after nearly 14 years of war. Washington has already eased some sanctions on Syria affecting essential services, although it is a temporary measure as the United States and other governments wait to see how the new authorities exercise their power before enacting wider exemptions. The United States, which has welcomed the formation of an interim government, has demanded progress on issues such as the fight against terrorism. Nevertheless, Washington announced on Friday that it would halve the number of US troops deployed to the country to fight the Daesh group, bringing their number to fewer than 1,000. International sanctions have weighed heavily on the Syrian economy, with around 90 percent of people living in poverty, according to UN figures. Next week, Syrian ministers and the country's central bank chief are due to attend the International Monetary Fund and World Bank's spring meetings in Washington, sources with knowledge of the meetings told AFP. The congressmen's visit came as Washington warned on Friday of 'imminent attacks' in Syria and particularly in 'locations frequented by tourists,' according to an alert posted on the US embassy's website. The embassy's operations in Damascus have been suspended since 2012, the year after the brutal repression of anti-government protests under Assad sparked civil war.
Arab News
15-04-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Syria leader in Qatar for first time since Assad's fall
DOHA: Syria's new president arrived in Qatar on Tuesday, state media said, for his first official visit to the Gulf state, a key backer of the new administration after longtime ruler Bashar Assad's ouster. The official Qatar News Agency reported Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani met Syria's interim President Ahmed Al-Sharaa on his arrival at Doha's Hamad International Airport. Earlier, Syria's foreign minister posted on X that he was accompanying Sharaa on his 'first presidential visit to the country that has stood by Syrians from day one and has never abandoned them.' Sharaa and Shaibani's Qatar trip comes on the heels of a Sunday visit to the United Arab Emirates, where they met Emirati President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, who expressed his country's support for Syria's reconstruction. Sharaa's Islamist group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham led the alliance that ousted Assad from power on December 8. His new administration has received support from several countries including key backers Turkiye and Qatar, as well as multiple Arab states. Qatar was one of the first Arab countries to back the armed rebellion that erupted after Assad's government crushed a peaceful uprising in 2011. Unlike other Arab nations, Doha did not restore diplomatic ties with Syria under Assad. The new authorities have engaged in a flurry of diplomatic activity since taking power, and Sharaa has visited several Arab countries as well as Turkiye. Meanwhile, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun departed Beirut on Tuesday for Doha, his office said, on his first visit to the Gulf country since his January election. 'The visit will continue until tomorrow afternoon, Wednesday, and will include a bilateral meeting between President Aoun and the Emir of Qatar, as well as expanded talks involving both the Qatari and Lebanese delegations,' Aoun's presidential office said. A day earlier, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam met with Sharaa in Damascus in an effort to reboot ties between the two neighbors. Beirut and Damascus have been seeking to improve relations since the overthrow of Assad, whose family dynasty exercised control over Lebanese affairs for decades and has been accused of assassinating numerous officials in Lebanon who expressed opposition to its rule. Middle East analyst Andreas Krieg said since the fall of the Assad government, Qatar had emerged as 'the most important interlocutor with the Al-Sharaa government in the Arab world, at least after Turkiye.' He said the gas-rich Gulf emirate was a 'diplomatic force multiplier to the Al-Sharaa government in Syria' and would be able to connect Syrians back to Lebanon 'which is, for both countries, extremely important.' Sheikh Tamim visited Damascus in January, becoming the first head of state to visit since Assad's ouster. Doha has pledged to support the rehabilitation of Syria's infrastructure, and in January announced an agreement to provide Syria with 200 megawatts of power, gradually increasing production. Syrian authorities are seeking assistance including from wealthy Gulf states for reconstruction after nearly 14 years of war. Qatar is one of the providers of financial and in-kind support to the Lebanese army and pledged support for reconstruction in February after the recent confrontation between Hezbollah and Israel.
