Shara's Rise Tests Syria's Transition

Ahmed al-Shara, who toppled Assad’s regime and secured sanctions relief, now confronts a fragile domestic project as power concentrates within a narrow circle of former HTS leaders. While Damascus has rebuilt relations with the world, integrated former rivals into a single army, and pursued reforms, meaningful political participation remains blocked, minorities and Sunnis worry about their place, and security abuses threaten legitimacy. The SDF’s integration signals progress but falls short of guaranteeing Kurdish rights or broader inclusion. Without expanding political participation and empowering parliament, Syria risks hollow legitimacy or renewed violence despite external support.