Refugees from Syria's brutal civil war began returning to their homeland on Wednesday, as a new interim prime minister, Mohammed al-Bashir, was appointed with the backing of rebel groups. Bashir, who led the rebel-led Salvation Government in Idlib before the 12-day offensive that brought insurgents into Damascus, has been tasked with overseeing a transitional government until March 1, 2025.
The appointment comes after years of civil conflict that saw President Bashar al-Assad ousted from power. However, U.S. officials have cautioned against assuming that rebel groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), once affiliated with al-Qaeda, will automatically take the reins. The U.S. emphasized the need for an inclusive process to form a new government that would uphold the rights of all Syrians, including minorities, and ensure that Syria does not become a base for terrorism or destabilize the region. HTS has recently tried to distance itself from its jihadist roots, focusing instead on its role in leading the fight against Assad’s regime.
In his brief television address, Bashir mentioned that a cabinet meeting had been held with members from both the Salvation Government and officials from the ousted regime. The backdrop to his speech featured two flags: one of the opposition, representing the anti-Assad forces throughout the war, and another symbolizing Sunni Islamist fighters.
The rebuilding of Syria is expected to be a monumental challenge, given the war's destruction. Cities lie in ruins, millions of Syrians remain displaced, and the economy has been severely damaged by international sanctions. With European countries halting asylum applications, some refugees, including Ala Jabeer and his daughter, are returning to Syria after years in exile. Jabeer, who fled the war 13 years ago, shared his hopes for a better future in the post-Assad era, despite the personal tragedies he endured, including the loss of his wife and children in last year's earthquakes.
Meanwhile, Damascus has started to show signs of normalcy, with banks reopening and businesses resuming operations for the first time since the overthrow of Assad. However, the U.S. remains cautious, with officials stating that they will continue to monitor the actions of rebel groups like HTS and will not automatically engage with them.
In addition to the internal challenges, Israel has launched airstrikes targeting Syrian army positions, citing the need to protect its security. Israel's incursions into southern Syria have drawn criticism from neighboring countries, further complicating the situation for Syria's new interim government.
The road ahead for Syria is uncertain, and while some refugees are optimistic about the changes, the task of rebuilding and achieving lasting peace will be an enormous challenge.
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