Syria’s rebel coalition working to establish a government and restore stability after Assad’s removal

The rapid ousting of President Bashar al-Assad has left Syrians, neighboring countries, and global powers anxious about the future, as the rebel coalition initiates a transition to governance. On Monday, the United Nations Security Council convened privately, with diplomats expressing astonishment at the swift nature of Assad’s removal, which occurred over a span of 12 days following a prolonged 13-year civil war that had reached a stalemate.

“Everyone was caught off guard, including the council members. We must now observe and assess how the situation evolves,” stated Russian U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia to reporters after the meeting. Russia had been instrumental in backing Assad’s regime and combating the rebels. The Syrian leader’s flight from Damascus to Moscow on Sunday marked the end of over five decades of oppressive rule by his family.

While celebrations continued in Damascus, Assad’s prime minister, Mohammed Jalali, agreed on Monday to transfer authority to the rebel-led Salvation Government, which operates from territory controlled by rebels in northwest Syria. The primary rebel leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, commonly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, held discussions with Jalali and Vice President Faisal Mekdad regarding the transitional administration, according to a source familiar with the talks. Jalali indicated that the transfer of power could take several days to complete.

Al Jazeera television has reported that the transitional authority will be led by Mohamed al-Bashir, who previously headed the Salvation Government. The rapid advance of the militia coalition led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former affiliate of al-Qaeda, marks a significant turning point for the Middle East.

The civil war that erupted in 2011 has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands, triggered one of the largest refugee crises in recent history, and left cities in ruins, rural areas abandoned, and the economy severely weakened by international sanctions.

However, the rebel coalition has yet to outline any plans for Syria’s future, and there is no established framework for such a transition in this divided region. On Monday, oil prices increased by over 1%, partly due to concerns that instability in Syria, despite it not being a major oil producer, could escalate regional tensions, according to analysts.

“This is a remarkable moment for the Syrian people,” stated Deputy U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Robert Wood in New York. “Our current focus is on observing how the situation develops. Is it possible to establish a governing authority in Syria that honors the rights and dignity of its citizens?” The U.S. is exploring avenues to engage with Syrian rebel factions and is reaching out to regional partners, including Turkey, to initiate informal diplomatic efforts, as reported by Washington.

Qatari diplomats engaged in discussions with HTS on Monday, according to an official who informed Reuters, as regional nations strive to establish communication with the group.

‘FREEDOM, EQUALITY, RULE OF LAW’

Several insurgent fighters gathered in the capital on Monday, congregating in the central Umayyad Square, and expressed optimism that a civilian administration would soon take charge of the country. “We desire a state where security forces are in control,” stated Firdous Omar, a fighter planning to return to farming in the Idlib province.

Golani has committed to the reconstruction of Syria, and HTS has dedicated years to improving its image to gain the trust of foreign nations and minority communities within Syria. However, the group’s classification as a terrorist organization by numerous countries and the U.N. raises questions about its legitimacy in governance.

“Syrians are eager to establish a state characterized by freedom, equality, rule of law, and democracy. We will collaborate to rebuild our nation, restore what has been lost, and create a better future for Syria,” remarked Koussay Aldahhak, Syria’s U.N. Ambassador, during a press briefing.

There are initial indications of a return to stability. Syria’s banks are set to reopen on Tuesday, and the oil ministry has instructed all employees in the sector to report to work, assuring them of safety measures.

Among the numerous challenges confronting Syria, Israel has taken control of a buffer zone in the southern region, a move that has drawn condemnation from Egypt, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia warned that this action would jeopardize Syria’s prospects for regaining security.

Israel announced that its airstrikes would continue for several days but assured the U.N. Security Council that it was not intervening in Syria’s internal conflict, stating that it had implemented “limited and temporary measures” solely for its own security.