Syria Faces New Chapter After Assad’s Ouster: A Call for Stability and Reconstruction

Following the dramatic fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria, the country is now in a pivotal moment of transition. On Tuesday, Mohammad al-Bashir, newly appointed as the transitional prime minister, called for stability and calm after the lightning rebel offensive that led to Assad's overthrow.

Bashir, a relatively unknown figure in Syria, took on his new role amidst the chaos of civil war. Trained as an electrical engineer and holding a degree in law and sharia, Bashir previously headed the "salvation government" in rebel-controlled areas. His appointment signals a new chapter for Syria as he leads the country through a transitional period until March 1.

In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, Bashir expressed hope for a brighter future: “Now it is time for this people to enjoy stability and calm,” he said, while standing before the flags of the opposition groups that have long fought Assad's rule. While Bashir’s administration focuses on stabilization, the situation remains tense as the future of Syria’s governance and territorial control is in flux.

The Role of Jihadist Group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)

The rebel offensive that brought about Assad’s downfall was led by the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an organization rooted in Syria’s al-Qaeda branch. Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the group’s leader, sought to reassure Syrians by promising peace. “Syria will be rebuilt,” he said in an interview with Sky News, emphasizing that the country would not return to war. His statement highlighted the exhaustion of Syrians after years of conflict and his intention to pursue reconstruction and development.

However, the group's extremist roots and their past designation as a terrorist organization by many Western nations pose a challenge for international recognition. The United States has called for an “inclusive” political process, stressing the importance of a non-sectarian government that respects minority rights and prevents Syria from becoming a base for terrorism.

A Fragmented Nation: The Search for Detainees and Accountability

Syria’s civil war has left a legacy of devastation, with over 500,000 dead and millions displaced. As Bashir and his rebel-led government move forward, the search for the thousands of detainees held by Assad’s security forces is a critical issue. The White Helmets, a volunteer rescue group, have called for pressure on Russia to help locate the whereabouts of secret jails and detainees.

Amid this, the issue of accountability for war crimes remains paramount. UN investigators, who have long documented Assad’s atrocities, have hailed his ouster as a “game-changer” that will allow them to access evidence of the regime’s crimes. Al-Golani himself has pledged to hold those responsible for torture and killings accountable.

Tensions with Israel and Ongoing Strikes

While Syria faces an uncertain future, regional tensions continue to simmer. Israel has been conducting airstrikes on Syrian military sites, targeting weapons depots and research centers with suspected ties to chemical weapons production. The UN and Syria’s new leadership have called for an end to Israeli strikes, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Israel would respond forcefully if Iran or Hezbollah are allowed to establish a foothold in Syria.

As Syria moves through this transitional phase, the involvement of foreign powers, including Israel and Iran, is likely to shape its path forward. Meanwhile, battles between Turkish-backed and Kurdish-led forces continue in northern Syria, adding to the complexity of the situation.