The ousting of Bashar al-Assad marks a pivotal moment in Syria, prompting optimism among displaced citizens while empowering rival factions to vie for control. Turkey supports groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which has distanced itself from extremism to focus on opposing Assad and Iranian influence. Iran and Russia face losses in their strategic foothold, emphasizing the necessity for unified governance among fractured factions to facilitate state rebuilding.
The recent ousting of Bashar al-Assad from power in Syria has prompted a sense of optimism among displaced Syrians, particularly those who fled amid the country’s devastating civil war. His departure has empowered various rebel factions to control different regions, with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) emerging as a formidable group following its recent successes in major cities including Aleppo and Damascus. Originally established as an al-Qaeda affiliate, HTS has since distanced itself from extremism, focusing instead on Syrizing its agenda by challenging the Assad regime and Iranian influence.
Turkey has been a significant backer of rebel factions like HTS, especially after the Assad government’s refusal to foster better relations with Ankara. This support has positioned Turkey as a potential key player in post-Assad Syria, looking to secure a government that aligns with its interests and counters Kurdish forces operating in the north. Conversely, Iran has faced substantial setbacks, losing strategic access in the region that formerly facilitated support for groups like Hezbollah. Russia, which had invested heavily in supporting Assad, now contends with the fallout of conflict and questions regarding the future of its military presence in Syria.
The ongoing fragmentation of Syria presents complex challenges, as various factions vie for control and legitimacy. Even as HTS stands out, the Kurdish-led Syrian Defence Forces (SDF) have maintained their hold on the northeast, aided by U.S. backing. This dynamic complicates security interests in the region and raises concerns for Turkey regarding Kurdish militias.
In light of the unsuccessful international peace efforts, it is vital that the Syrian factions work towards establishing a united and stable transitional government. The fate of any emerging government will depend significantly on whether former combatants can negotiate terms that reflect the interests of both returning refugees and those who remained in Syria. The war-ravaged nation now faces a crucial period of rebuilding, necessitating a committed effort from its own people to establish a sovereign state, free from external manipulation.
The Syrian civil war has been ongoing since 2011, creating a dire humanitarian crisis as millions of Syrians have been displaced. The conflict has resulted in the fragmentation of the country into multiple regions, each dominated by various armed factions supported by international powers such as Russia, Iran, Turkey, the United States, and others. As key players lost influence, the dynamics shifted, prompting the recent upheaval against the Assad regime. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, having evolved from an al-Qaeda affiliate to a more localized group, is now a significant force in this new landscape. The international community’s efforts to broker peace have been largely ineffective, highlighting the complexities of rebuilding the Syrian state amidst competing interests.
In summary, the removal of Bashar al-Assad has brought a mix of optimism and renewed tensions to Syria. While Turkey appears poised to become a leading force in shaping the future of the country, both Iran and Russia have suffered significant losses to their strategic ambitions. The continued presence and backing of various factions, including the SDF and HTS, underline the fractured nature of Syria, where the quest for a cohesive and stable government remains paramount. Ultimately, Syria’s ability to rebuild will hinge on internal consensus and the formulation of a unified state that respects the diverse interests of its populace.
Original Source: theconversation.com
