HTS Leader’s Vision for a Unified Syria: A Call for Reconciliation, Reform, and International Engagement
In the aftermath of the dramatic overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, has embarked on a campaign to project an image of unity and reconciliation. His message centers on reassuring minorities of their safety, disbanding rebel factions and integrating them into a national defense force under the Ministry of Defense, upholding the rule of law, and preserving state institutions. Al-Sharaa has emphasized the importance of a "social contract" between the state and all religious groups to guarantee social justice, signifying a departure from the sectarian tensions that fueled the Syrian conflict for years. He has also called for the lifting of international sanctions to facilitate the return of displaced refugees and the reconstruction of the war-torn nation. This includes a specific appeal for restored relations with the UK, a nation that has listed HTS as a terrorist organization.
Al-Sharaa’s overtures represent a significant shift for HTS, a group with roots in al-Qaeda. While HTS severed ties with the global jihadist network in 2016 and has publicly renounced its former ideology, it continues to face scrutiny for past human rights abuses and its hardline interpretation of Islamic law. The group’s rebranding efforts are aimed at gaining international legitimacy and acceptance, essential for achieving its goals of political transition, economic recovery, and normalized relations with the international community. These efforts are crucial for securing much-needed aid and investment for a country devastated by years of conflict. The leader’s emphasis on unity and inclusion seems designed to address concerns about HTS’s past and to demonstrate its commitment to a more inclusive future for Syria.
Navigating International Relations and Addressing Concerns:
HTS’s attempts to rebrand itself and gain international recognition face significant hurdles. The group remains designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, including the UK, US, and EU members. These designations carry severe sanctions that hinder Syria’s economic recovery and limit HTS’s ability to engage with the international community. Al-Sharaa’s call for lifting sanctions and restoring relations with London highlights the group’s awareness of these challenges and its desire to overcome them. While the UK has indicated a willingness to review HTS’s terrorist designation, the process is likely to be complex and protracted. International actors are cautiously observing HTS’s actions and rhetoric, seeking concrete evidence of genuine transformation before considering any significant policy shifts.
HTS has reached out to members of the former Assad government, seeking a path toward a more inclusive political structure. This pragmatic approach indicates a willingness to compromise and collaborate with former adversaries in the interest of national stability. However, this approach may raise concerns about potential power-sharing arrangements that could perpetuate existing inequalities or fail to address the root causes of the conflict.
The Kurdish Question and Regional Stability:
The future of the Kurdish-held semi-autonomous region in northeastern Syria presents a significant challenge for HTS’s vision of a unified country. The Kurdish-led forces, backed by the US, control territory and operate detention centers holding ISIS militants. Clashes have already erupted between Kurdish forces and HTS-aligned groups, raising concerns about the potential for further escalation. Al-Sharaa’s spokesperson has affirmed that Kurds are an integral part of Syria and their rights will be protected, but has also stated that HTS will not tolerate any part of Syria remaining outside Damascus’s control. This seemingly contradictory stance highlights the delicate balancing act HTS faces: appealing to the international community with inclusive rhetoric while asserting its authority over all Syrian territory.
The complex relationship between HTS and the Kurdish forces will likely be a major determinant of Syria’s future trajectory. Finding a sustainable political arrangement that respects Kurdish autonomy while upholding the unity of the Syrian state will be crucial for long-term stability. This will require negotiations, compromises, and a willingness to address Kurdish grievances. Failure to reach a mutually acceptable solution could lead to further conflict and instability, threatening the fragile peace in the region.
International Engagement and the Road to Reconstruction:
The international community, particularly Western powers, remains cautious about engaging with HTS, despite the group’s efforts to distance itself from its jihadist past. The EU’s foreign policy chief has suggested the possibility of easing sanctions if HTS takes demonstrable steps to establish a government that respects human rights, including the rights of women and minorities. This cautious approach reflects concerns about HTS’s true intentions and the potential for backsliding into extremist practices. The UN envoy for Syria has called for lifting international sanctions to facilitate rebuilding efforts. This call reflects the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and economic recovery in Syria, but it also raises concerns about legitimizing HTS before it has fully demonstrated its commitment to reform.
The path to rebuilding Syria will require substantial international support, including financial aid, technical expertise, and diplomatic engagement. However, the international community is unlikely to provide significant assistance without clear assurances that such aid will not be misused or diverted to support extremist activities. HTS will need to demonstrate its commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability to gain the trust and confidence of international donors.
The Israeli Factor and Regional Security:
The ongoing Israeli strikes within Syria, targeting missile warehouses, add another layer of complexity to the situation. These strikes, justified by Israel as necessary to counter groups threatening its interests, exacerbate tensions in the region. Israel’s actions, while aimed at specific targets, contribute to the instability and complicate the efforts to achieve lasting peace in Syria. The seizure of a border buffer zone by Israeli troops further fuels concerns about territorial ambitions and potential exploitation of the Syrian conflict. These actions highlight the interconnectedness of regional security challenges and the potential for spillover effects from the Syrian conflict. Achieving a stable and peaceful future for Syria will require addressing not only internal challenges but also managing regional tensions and fostering cooperation among neighboring states. This will necessitate a comprehensive regional security framework that addresses the legitimate security concerns of all parties while promoting dialogue and diplomacy.
