In an interview with Saudi state broadcaster Al Arabija, Al-Sharaa explained that it will take about a year for Syrians to see significant changes in the country. The timing of the statement is no accident, as the new government in Damascus is trying to reassure its neighbors that it has moved away from its former Islamist militant roots.
HTS’s blitzkrieg ended the 13-year civil war, but left many questions about the future of the multi-ethnic country. Several foreign states, including Turkey and Russia, have strong, potentially competing interests in Syria.
Although Western powers have largely welcomed the fall of the Assad regime, it remains uncertain whether HTS will impose strict Islamic rule or move toward democracy.
Al-Sharaa said the group, formerly known as Al-Nusra Front, would be disbanded at a conference on national dialogue.
HTS, once associated with the Islamic State and al-Qaeda, has since disowned both organizations and is trying to reposition itself as a moderate force. The group has repeatedly promised to protect minority groups, which fear that the new leadership would introduce Islamist governance.
Al-Sharaa expressed hope that the administration of US President-elect Donald Trump will lift the sanctions imposed on Syria. Senior US diplomats who visited Damascus recently found al-Sharaa pragmatic, and Washington decided to cancel the $10 million bounty on the head of the HTS leader.
Source: Reuters
Cover image credit: Rami Alsayed/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Source: www.portfolio.hu
