Syria's Transitional Government Takes Charge Amid Turmoil
Damascus residents breathed a cautious sigh of relief Wednesday as Syria’s new military administration lifted curfews, urging a return to normalcy. The move comes hours after interim Prime Minister Mohammed al-Bashir – appointed to lead until 2025 – called for refugees to return, declaring \"the storm has passed\" following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad’s five-decade family rule.
Rapid Power Shift: From HTS Offensive to U.S. Ceasefires
The Islamist-led Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) alliance stunned observers by capturing Damascus in just 12 days last month. While promising \"rights for all religious groups,\" HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani vowed to prosecute former Assad officials for torture.
Meanwhile, Kurdish forces and Turkish-backed militants agreed to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire in strategic Manbij after days of clashes left 218 dead. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) pledged to withdraw \"as soon as possible,\" while Turkey maintains pressure on Kurdish groups it labels terrorists.
UN reports paint a bleak picture: hospitals overwhelmed, 1 million displaced since December, and mines blocking aid routes. In Idlib and Aleppo, bread prices now cost nine times pre-conflict levels. Qatar’s decision to reopen its Damascus embassy signals shifting regional dynamics, with Doha pledging reconstruction support.
Global Reactions: From Tehran to Türkiye
Iran’s Supreme Leader dismissed concerns about losing influence, while Türkiye celebrated recent territorial gains against Kurdish forces. The U.S. maintains its military presence, with CENTCOM chief General Kurilla visiting bases this week. As Damascus street markets reopen, Syrians wonder: is this fragile stability, or just the calm before another storm?
