Syrian Rebel Offensive: A Potential Turning Point in the Mideast Conflict
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), led by Abu Muhammad al-Jawlani, has successfully taken control of Aleppo, Syria's second-largest city, by leveraging a strategic transformation over the past four and a half years. This transformation involved building resilient local institutions and reforming governance and military structures in the "Liberated Areas" of northwest Syria. HTS's rapid consolidation of control in Aleppo was facilitated by a professionalized military and governance apparatus, which quickly filled governance gaps and garnered local support. The group's approach contrasts with its past affiliations with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, showcasing a more pragmatic and locally-focused strategy.