In a significant turn of events, Syria is witnessing major strides towards national unity following over a decade of civil strife. The recent transition in leadership saw Ahmad al-Sharaa emerge as the interim President after the downfall of the nation’s autocratic ruler. Taking the helm, al-Sharaa, once at the forefront of an Islamist insurgent group, was faced with the monumental task of unifying a nation torn by years of conflict.
This week has been a testament to both the challenges and opportunities facing Syria’s new administration. While the past few days were marred by deadly sectarian violence, they culminated in a diplomatic breakthrough that saw a coalition formed between Kurdish-led forces in the country’s northeast and the newly constituted national army. This move is a pivotal development towards addressing the long-standing divisions that had split the country into fragmented territories during the civil war.
By Tuesday, Syria seemed to be on a progressive path, albeit fraught with potential pitfalls of reverting to civil discord or ethnic and sectarian fragmentation. Experts like Ammar Kahf from the Omran Center for Strategic Studies stress the essential role of inclusive governance in rebuilding the nation and persuading Western powers to lift the economic sanctions imposed during Bashar Assad’s regime.
The past week was tumultuous, marked by sectarian clashes that began when government forces clashed with Assad loyalists, leading to retaliatory violence that primarily targeted the Alawite minority. Despite the subsequent restoration of order by government reinforcements, the incidents highlighted the fragile grip on stability and the need for robust governance.
The merging of Kurdish-led forces into the national army is a significant step towards cohesion. However, there are lingering challenges as many factions retain their autonomy despite unifying under a central command. This phenomenon is attributed to what Issam al-Reis of Etana, a Syrian research body, describes as the lack of a professional army framework, presenting risks for stability as unemployed former soldiers from Assad’s army could become prone to manipulation by disruptive entities.
The breakthrough agreement bringing the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into alignment with national forces was unexpectedly hastened by the need to salvage the government’s integrity following the weekend’s violence. This agreement, penned at a critical juncture, saw the consolidation of several critical regions under central governance, an essential diplomatic win for al-Sharaa.
Support from international stakeholders like the United States and Turkey played a crucial role in this agreement. The U.S. has been a strong ally of the SDF in its fight against ISIS, while Turkey, though wary, extended its consent with assurances that foreign fighters affiliated with separatist Kurdish groups would be managed effectively.
Despite these promising developments, Syria’s new leadership confronts daunting obstacles. Continued territorial encroachments by Israel in southern Syria and persistent economic sanctions imposed by Western powers stifle efforts at post-war reconstruction. Moreover, the recent violence has intensified skepticism and hostility among minorities, particularly Alawites, towards the new authorities. The government faces pressure to take decisive action against those responsible for recent attacks to restore confidence and promote national reconciliation.
In summary, while the unification efforts under President al-Sharaa mark a hopeful beginning for Syria, they are merely the first steps in a long journey towards a stable and prosperous future. The international community will be watching closely as Syria navigates these complex challenges.
