Interim Syrian PM vows to ensure rights of all religious groups

Interim Syrian PM vows to ensure rights of all religious and minority groups — Islamist Interim Syrian Prime Minister Muhammed al-Bashir, appointed by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), formerly known as al-Nusra Front, on December 5, 2024. Photo: X

DAMSCUS,— Syria’s newly appointed interim prime minister has promised to safeguard the rights of all minority groups as Washington’s top diplomat arrived in the region on Thursday, urging an “inclusive” political transition following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad.

The announcement comes after a swift offensive led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), formerly known as al-Nusra Front, and its allies, which forced Assad to flee the country after decades of oppressive rule.

Assad’s exit marks the end of over 50 years of dominance by the Assad family, a regime known for its brutal repression of opposition and widespread human rights abuses.

The collapse of his government has been welcomed with widespread celebrations across Syria and among the Syrian diaspora, many of whom had long suffered under the regime’s tyranny.

“We lived in fear, unable to express ourselves. Every time we tried to speak out, we were threatened with harm,” said Ibtissam Kaab, a resident from Assad’s hometown of Qardaha, speaking to AFP. “The feeling of freedom now is overwhelming.”

However, amid the jubilation over Assad’s downfall, there remains significant uncertainty about the future of the war-torn country, which is home to a diverse population of various religious and ethnic groups. The new leadership has moved quickly to reassure minorities, pledging that their rights will be upheld.

HTS, an Islamist faction with roots in Syria’s Al-Qaeda branch, is considered a terrorist organization by many Western governments. Despite this, the group has made efforts to moderate its public stance and assurances of inclusivity for all Syrians.

Mohammad al-Bashir, the interim leader, emphasized that the group’s commitment to Islam would not prevent them from ensuring protections for all people in Syria, regardless of their faith or background.

“Because we are Islamic, we will guarantee the rights of all Syrians, no matter their sect or ethnicity,” Bashir told Italy’s Corriere della Sera in an interview published Wednesday.

In addition to these pledges of minority protection, the interim government has vowed to pursue justice for the victims of Assad’s regime.

HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani, whose real name is Ahmed al-Sharaa, stated that those responsible for the torture and killing of detainees under Assad’s government would not be granted amnesty. “We call on the international community to help bring those responsible for these crimes to justice,” Jolani added.

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Jordan on Thursday as part of a broader Middle East tour. According to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, Blinken’s visit is aimed at supporting a “Syrian-led transition” to a more accountable and representative government.

Blinken is also expected to address concerns regarding Syria’s potential to become a “base for terrorism” and the risk it could pose to neighboring countries. These concerns are particularly important for Turkey and Israel, both of which have conducted military operations inside Syria in recent years.

As Syria grapples with its future, the road to recovery remains daunting. After years of civil war and widespread destruction, the country faces the colossal task of rebuilding both its infrastructure and its fractured society.

Bashir, in his interview, appealed to the six million Syrians living abroad to return to their homeland, saying, “Syria is now a free country that has earned its dignity and pride. Come back.”

Damascus International Airport, which has been closed for years, is set to reopen soon, according to airport director Anis Fallouh. This marks an important symbolic step in the country’s recovery.

The new leadership has also expressed willingness to engage with anyone who does not support Assad. “We are ready to work with anyone who is not loyal to the old regime,” Bashir said, suggesting that the country’s future could involve broader political cooperation.

The United Nations’ special envoy to Syria, Geir Pedersen, has emphasized the importance of an inclusive political process, warning that failure to manage the transition properly could lead to renewed civil conflict. Pedersen told AFP, “My biggest concern is that the transition will create new divisions that could spark further strife.”

The collapse of Assad’s regime has also led to symbolic gestures of defiance, such as the burning of the tomb of Hafez al-Assad, the former president and father of Bashar. Rebel fighters and civilians watched as the flames consumed the monument, a powerful symbol of the regime’s end.

The political turmoil has also led to shifts in international relations. Qatar, which had supported Assad’s opponents, announced that it would reopen its embassy in Damascus, signaling a shift in regional dynamics.

Meanwhile, Israel and Turkey have continued to conduct military operations in Syria, highlighting the ongoing instability in the region.

As the international community watches closely, key players like Russia and Iran—who had supported Assad during the war—are also weighing in. The Kremlin has called for Syria’s stabilization, while also criticizing Israeli airstrikes on Syrian soil.

With global attention focused on Syria’s future, the transition period will be critical. While there is hope for a new beginning after Assad’s fall, there are also cautionary voices.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned that while Assad’s removal marks a potential turning point, there is no guarantee that the future will be better than the past. “What comes next is not always better,” Starmer said ahead of a G7 meeting scheduled for Friday, where leaders will discuss how to approach Syria’s new leadership.

(With files from AFP)