One Year Post-Assad: Syria's New Leadership Faces Challenges Ahead

One year after President Bashar al-Assad fled Syria, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, known as Ahmed al-Sharaa, has emerged as the interim president amid a war-torn landscape. As leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Sharaa has gained international support, including a notable meeting with US President Donald Trump, which has resulted in some lifting of sanctions and an effort to stabilize the country. However, Syria remains deeply fragmented, with ongoing sectarian tensions and power struggles among various groups, including Kurds and Druze minorities who reject central authority.

Despite some advancements under Sharaa's rule, such as economic revival and the establishment of diplomatic ties, many Syrians continue to live in dire conditions without adequate services or security. The risks of renewed violence, particularly among sectarian factions, loom large, as reiterated by the UN human rights office. As the new administration attempts to navigate these obstacles and earn legitimacy both domestically and internationally, the path to a stable and unified Syria appears fraught with challenges. as reported by BBC