By Anthony Marcus, correspondent – Eurasia Business News. December 10, 2024. Article no 1328.

Abu Mohammed al-Golani speaks at the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus on Sunday, December 8.

Following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad, who fled with his family to Russia on December 8, Syrian rebel factions are rapidly moving to establish order in Damascus and form a transitional Government.

The Assad regime’s collapse was marked by a swift military offensive that culminated in the capture of the capital, prompting celebrations among the populace as they welcomed the end of over 50 years of Assad family rule.

Formation of a Transitional Government
Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), is spearheading efforts to form a transitional government. Reports indicate that Mohammed al-Bashir, who has previously led an Islamist government in northwestern Syria, will oversee this new administration. Al-Jawlani has emphasized the importance of stabilizing essential services, including restoring public transportation and electricity in Damascus.

Ahmed Hussein al-Shar’a (born in 1982), better known as Abu Mohammad al-Julani, is a Syrian militant who has served as the emir of Tahrir al-Sham since 2017 and as the de facto leader of Syria since December 8. Before cutting ties with Al-Qaeda in 2016, Julani had served as the emir of the now-defunct Al-Nusra Front, the former Syrian branch of Al-Qaeda.

The US State Department listed Al-Julani as a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist” in May 2013, and four years later announced a $10 million reward for information leading to his capture.

Immediate Challenges and Governance
The immediate challenges for the new Syrian leadership include managing state institutions and ensuring public safety. Al-Jawlani has urged rebel fighters and citizens to protect the institutions of a “free Syrian state.” Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi al-Jalali, appointed by Assad, temporarily supervised state functions. He was replaced by Mohammed al-Bashir the following day.

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Public Sentiment and Security Measures
As celebrations erupted across Damascus, with crowds chanting anti-Assad slogans and firing weapons into the air, there are concerns regarding security and potential unrest. Al-Jawlani has called for restraint among military personnel and prohibited celebratory gunfire to maintain order during this transitional phase.

The situation remains fluid as the new leadership navigates the complexities of governance in a war-torn nation, while also addressing the aspirations of various factions within the opposition and the broader Syrian population.

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© Copyright 2024 – Eurasia Business News. Article no. 1328.