Rebel forces in Syria have taken control of the capital city of Damascus, leading to the end of Bashar al Assad’s 24-year rule. The rebels, including the Syrian National Army and Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS), a former wing of al Qaeda, have led the offensive. While the UK government is considering removing HTS from its list of banned terrorist organizations, concerns remain about their extremist views and impact on religious freedom.
Leaders of the rebel forces, including Abu Muhammed al Jolani of HTS, have attempted to show a more moderate image to reassure Syrian minorities. However, their political plans for Syria’s future remain unclear. The rapid progress of the rebels, aided by the absence of Russian and Iranian support for Assad, has surprised the international community, potentially changing the power dynamics in the Middle East.
The US, Russia, Turkey, and other nations have vested interests in Syria, with the US maintaining troops in the region to guard against the resurgence of the Islamic State. The conflict in Syria, along with ongoing tensions in Gaza and Lebanon, poses a complex geopolitical challenge with implications for regional stability.
Overall, the rebel takeover of Damascus marks a significant shift in the Syrian civil war, with questions arising about the future governance of the country and the role of various international actors in shaping its trajectory.
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