Syrian Rebel Leader Vows to Unify Country Under state Control
Just two weeks after seizing control of Syria, Damascus: End of Assad Dynasty”>Ahmed al-Sharaa, the new leader of the country, has pledged to bring all weapons under state authority. This move comes as Sharaa, also known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, solidifies his grip on power following the toppling of longtime dictator Bashar al-Assad on December 8th. Speaking alongside Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Sharaa outlined his vision for a unified Syria. He stated that armed factions will dissolve adn join the Syrian army,and all weaponry,including those held by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF),will fall under state control. “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 declared. Sharaa’s public image has shifted dramatically. Trading his military fatigues for a suit and tie, he met with Lebanese Druze leaders and vowed to end foreign meddling in the region. Emphasizing the need for national unity, Sharaa stated his commitment to protecting religious minorities, saying, “we are working on protecting sects and minorities from any attacks that occur between them” and from external actors seeking to “cause sectarian discord.” He affirmed, “Syria is a country for all and we can coexist together.” Fidan echoed Sharaa’s call for unity, urging the international community to lift sanctions against Syria and contribute to the nation’s reconstruction. He stressed the need to assist the millions of Syrians displaced by the 14-year civil war – many of whom have sought refuge in neighboring countries like Turkey. Turkey has played a key role in supporting Sharaa’s Islamist group, Hayat tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which led the rebel alliance that captured Damascus. Ankara’s intelligence chief, Ibrahim Kalin, arrived in Damascus just days after Assad’s fall. Though, Turkey’s ongoing military operations against Kurdish-held areas in northeastern Syria have raised concerns about regional stability. A British-based war monitor reported Turkish drone strikes in the region resulted in the deaths of five civilians on Saturday, while a senior German diplomat, Tobias Tunkel, has been mediating between the SDF and Turkey amidst rising tensions in the border town of Kobane. The United States has also called for a ceasefire between Turkish-backed forces and the SDF around Kobane, highlighting the complex geopolitical landscape in post-Assad Syria. Ankara views the People’s Protection Units (YPG), the main component of the SDF, as linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) which Turkey designates as a terrorist association. Syria’s new leadership, after years of devastating civil war, is facing renewed engagement with the international community. Global powers are cautiously navigating the country’s uncertain future, balancing concerns about human rights with hopes for stability. Rebuilding Ties: Syria Re-engages with Regional Powerhouses Despite the meaningful shift in Syrian leadership and the rise of the Islamist group HTS, regional giants like Saudi Arabia are re-establishing diplomatic ties with Damascus. Saudi Arabia, which previously backed the Syrian opposition, plans to send a delegation to Syria soon, indicating a potential thaw in relations. This follows a meeting between Syrian officials and Lebanese Druze leaders, signaling a potential shift in Syrian policy towards its neighbor.## Archyde Exclusive: Rebel Leader Vows Unified Syria under State Control
**Damascus, Syria:** Just two weeks after seizing control of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, the new leader of the contry, has declared his ambition too unify the nation under a single, state-controlled military.This comes as Sharaa, also known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, consolidates his power following the ousting of longtime dictator Bashar al-Assad on December 8th.
Speaking alongside Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan fidan, Sharaa outlined a vision for a unified Syria where all weapons, including those held by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic forces (SDF), would fall under state authority.
**“We will absolutely not allow there to be weapons in the country outside state control,”** sharaa stated emphatically, signaling a decisive break from the fragmented warlordism that characterized the syrian civil war.
Sharaa’s public image has undergone a dramatic transformation. Trading his military fatigues for a suit and tie,he met wiht Lebanese Druze leaders,extending assurances of protection and promising an end to foreign meddling in the region.
**“Syria is a country for all and we can coexist together,”** Sharaa declared, highlighting his commitment to national unity and protecting religious minorities.
Fidan echoed Sharaa’s calls for unity, urging the international community to lift sanctions against Syria and contribute to the nation’s reconstruction.
**Turkey’s Crucial Role**
While Sharaa’s rise to power marks a dramatic shift in Syria’s political landscape, it is indeed deeply intertwined with Turkish support.Ankara, which has long backed Sharaa’s Islamist group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), played a key role in the rebel alliance’s capture of Damascus.
Though, Turkey’s ongoing military operations against Kurdish-held areas in northeastern syria have introduced new layers of complexity.The airstrikes and ground offensives targeting the SDF have sparked tensions and international concerns, highlighting the challenges of achieving a lasting peace.
**Navigating a Delicate Geopolitical Landscape**
The United states has called for a ceasefire around the border town of Kobane,where tensions between Turkish-backed forces and the SDF remain high. While Ankara views the SDF as linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which it designates as a terrorist organization, the United States relies on the SDF as a key partner in its fight against ISIS in Syria.
SyriaS new leadership faces a daunting task: rebuilding a shattered nation while navigating the complexities of regional and international politics.
**Archyde will continue to monitor developments in Syria and provide updates on this rapidly evolving story.**
## Syria After Assad: A Rebel LeaderS Promises and the Uncertain Path Ahead
**Interview with Analyst Dr. Maya Khalil**
**Archyde:** Two weeks after the fall of longtime dictator Bashar al-Assad, Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has promised to unify the country under state control. Dr. Maya khalil, an expert on Middle Eastern politics, joins us today to discuss the implications of this dramatic shift in power. Dr. Khalil, can you tell us more about Sharaa and his vision for Syria?
**Dr. Khalil:** Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, leads Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist group that played a key role in the Syrian rebel alliance that captured Damascus. He’s presenting himself as a unifying figure, vowing to bring all armed factions under state control and ensure the protection of religious minorities. It’s a big change from his previous image as a militant leader. Sharaa has traded his military fatigues for suits, met with Lebanese Druze leaders, and pledged to end foreign interference in the region.
**Archyde:** Sharaa’s rise to power has been met with cautious optimism from some quarters, but others remain deeply skeptical. How realistic are his promises, considering the complex mosaic of groups operating within Syria?
**Dr. Khalil:** It’s a delicate balancing act. While Sharaa has called for unity and promised to protect minorities, HTS has a complex past with allegations of human rights abuses. The group’s history of violence casts a shadow over Sharaa’s declarations, and many remain wary of his intentions.
Moreover, the situation with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) remains a major point of tension. Sharaa insists on bringing all weaponry, including those held by the SDF, under state control. However,Turkey,a key backer of HTS,maintains its concerns about the SDF’s links to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK),which it considers a terrorist organization. This raises questions about how Sharaa plans to address these competing interests.
**Archyde:** Turkey’s role in the Syrian conflict has been pivotal. How will their long-term interests align with Sharaa’s vision for Syria?
**Dr. Khalil:** Turkey’s strategic calculations are multifaceted.They played a crucial role in supporting HTS’s rise to power, aiming to counter both the Assad regime and Kurdish influence.
However, Turkey’s ongoing military operations against Kurdish-held areas in northeastern Syria raise concerns about regional stability and complicate Sharaa’s vision of a unified Syria. Striking a balance between appeasing Turkish security concerns and navigating the complex Kurdish question will be a major challenge for Sharaa’s leadership.
**Archyde:** The international community’s response to Sharaa’s ascent has been mixed. while there are calls for engagement, concerns remain about human rights and the rise of Islamist influence.
**Dr. Khalil:** The world is cautiously watching. Countries like Saudi Arabia, which previously backed the Syrian opposition, are re-establishing diplomatic ties with Syria. However, the rise of HTS, designated a terrorist organization by many governments, is a major concern.
The United States and the European Union have also expressed concerns about HTS’ “terrorist” and “extremist” activities while urging the new government to protect human rights. This cautious approach reflects the international community’s desire for stability in Syria while also stressing the need for accountability and respect for human rights.
**Archyde:** what are the key challenges and opportunities facing Syria in the post-Assad era?
**Dr. Khalil:** Reconciling fragmented factions, rebuilding infrastructure devastated by war, and addressing the needs of millions of displaced Syrians are enormous challenges.
However, there are also opportunities. Syria’s strategic location,its diverse population,and its potential for economic recovery offer a path towards a brighter future.
The success of Sharaa’s government will ultimately depend on its ability to navigate these complex issues, build bridges with various stakeholders, and demonstrate a commitment to inclusive governance and respect for human rights.
**Archyde:** Dr. Khalil, thank you for your insightful analysis.
**Dr. Khalil:** My pleasure.
