By Euan Ward and Jenny Gross
The head of the rebel coalition that gained control in Syria just over a week ago announced that all military factions in the nation would be disbanded, per Syrian state media’s report on Tuesday, as the newly formed government aims to restore a functional state.
More than a week following President Bashar Assad’s ousting, the fresh authorities in the Syrian capital, Damascus, are striving to convey a sense of stability after nearly 14 years of conflict. Ahmad al-Sharaa, the leader of the rebel coalition, stated on Monday that all rebel factions would be disbanded, integrating their fighters into the Defense Ministry, according to a release by SANA, Syria’s state news outlet.
“Everyone will be accountable to the law,” he declared.
It remains unclear from al-Sharaa’s remarks how or when this reorganization will take place, or if the various armed groups in the nation will consent.
The United States and several other nations still categorize Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the rebel faction led by al-Sharaa, as a terrorist entity, which significantly hampers the assistance that other countries and institutions can offer to the new administration. Nevertheless, Syria’s emerging leaders have been in discussions with Western diplomats in their pursuit of international acknowledgment of the government’s legitimacy.
The initiative to enforce law and order arises as Syria’s latest government makes efforts to reactivate public institutions. Steps are being taken to reopen international airports, and Syria’s state news agency has been disseminating administrative updates regarding central bank exchange rates and police recruitment announcements.
Once affiliated with the Assad regime, SANA has been providing daily updates regarding these nation-building initiatives in what appears to be an endeavor to alleviate concerns regarding possible instability.
Efforts have commenced to reopen Syria’s two primary airports in Damascus and Aleppo, as reported by SANA. On Monday, the state-run agency shared images on its social media showing clean floors and welcome displays at the Aleppo airport, starkly contrasting with visuals of armed combatants within the terminal after it was seized during the swift rebel takeover just weeks earlier.
In another update on Tuesday, SANA mentioned a discussion between top British officials and al-Sharaa. This engagement marks the latest in a series of planned early interactions by the rebel coalition with diplomats from the UN, the Middle East, and Europe.
Donning a dark gray business suit instead of his usual military garb, al-Sharaa, previously recognized as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, urged Britain during their meeting to lift sanctions on Syria and reestablish diplomatic relations, according to SANA.
Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, remarked on Tuesday that the European Union must continue to engage with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and other factions in Syria to aid the nation’s recovery.
“We need to initiate discussions regarding the alleviation of sanctions,” she stated while in Ankara, Turkey, alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. “However, this can only transpire if tangible progress on a peaceful transition is evident on the ground.”
Von der Leyen affirmed Europe’s commitment to supporting Syria’s rebuilding efforts, announcing that the first shipment of aid from Europe is expected to arrive shortly. The European Commission noted last week that it would provide over 100 tons of food, medical supplies, and health-related goods to Syria.
In response to proposals from certain European politicians suggesting that Syrian refugees in Europe could be invited to return, von der Leyen commented that the uncertainty regarding Syria’s near future means individuals may only return if they choose to do so voluntarily.
Since the new leadership took control in Syria, there have been concerns regarding potential security breakdowns and retaliatory actions against Assad regime supporters. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham announced last week that the new Syrian government would pursue high-ranking Assad officials accused of crimes, while offering amnesty to lower-ranking conscripted soldiers. The transitional government has urged former regime military personnel and officers to present themselves at designated reconciliation centers being established throughout the nation.
“We will not waver in our pursuit of justice for the criminals, murders, and security and military officials responsible for the torture of the Syrian people,” al-Sharaa expressed in a message on the Telegram platform. He added that the rebel faction will soon unveil “List No. 1” containing senior individuals “implicated in the torture of the Syrian populace.”
As Syria’s fresh authorities strive to reconcile these demands for justice with the necessity for stability, they have broadened calls in recent days for citizens to join the country’s police force, which was formerly a dreaded extension of the Assad regime’s security network. Through a series of announcements on SANA, the new Interior Ministry revealed that candidates could enroll in police academies in Damascus and other significant cities, providing them with a registration link to initiate the application process.
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has its roots in a branch of al-Qaida but has made efforts in recent years to move away from its extremist origins, an adjustment that analysts believe was designed to attract Western support. Al-Sharaa emphasized reconstruction and inclusivity in interviews with The New York Times and other media outlets on Monday, though he provided scant details on how the proposals of the new government would be implemented.
“Syria is weary of conflict, and we aim to establish a state and institutions free from strife,” he remarked.
