A central element of this shift is the rise of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist group originally stemming from Al-Qaeda. Following the collapse of the Assad regime, HTS emerged as the dominant force in Syria’s political reorganization. The group’s leader, Abu Mohammed al-Joulani, announced the intention to form a unity government that would represent all segments of society. However, this initiative is met with skepticism. Western countries and international human rights organizations expressed serious concerns due to HTS’s radical past and the fear that sectarian conflicts could be reignited under its leadership.
The new political reality under HTS has already had visible impacts on Syria’s social fabric. The formation of a Sunni-dominated governmental structure has intensified tensions between different religious and ethnic communities. Minorities are increasingly facing exclusion, repression, and violence. Whether the announced transitional government will indeed be inclusive remains an open question.
These developments are prompting a wide range of reactions within Syrian society. While parts of the Sunni population welcome Assad’s ouster and see hope for a new future, other groups are dominated by feelings of insecurity and threat. Especially the Alawite community, which held a privileged position under Assad, is now facing massive persecution. Reports indicate massacres of Alawites and the destruction of several villages.
Christians, and in particular the Syriacs, also find themselves in a precarious situation. Without sufficient protection, they became targets of attacks in which dozens were killed and numerous religious institutions were damaged. Of particular concern is the fact that the Syriacs were not even mentioned in the military agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and HTS. This omission reinforces the sense of political marginalization and raises questions about the future of the Syriacs.
Another significant development concerns the Druze. In light of the unstable situation, they are increasingly demanding autonomous rights and have addressed this demand to Israel. Israel’s positive response has the potential to fundamentally alter the geopolitical balance in the region.
Parallel to the political restructuring, a provisional constitution was announced, which strictly adheres to Sharia law. This new legal order is, in many respects, more restrictive than the regulations under the former Baath regime. The main articles of the constitution are as follows:
• Article 1: The Syrian Arab Republic is defined as such.
• Article 2: The president must be Muslim and govern in accordance with Sharia.
• Article 3: The main source of state legislation is Islamic law.
• Article 4: The religious activities of non-Muslim communities are subject to restrictions.
These provisions have met with massive criticism, especially from non-Muslim and non-Arab population groups. After more than a decade of civil war, many people in the country see no improvement in their situation and perceive the new political course as a step backwards in terms of justice and social participation.
At the international level, reactions have been mixed. Many human rights organizations and democratic states voiced sharp criticism of the new regime and its authoritarian structures. However, one particular initiative caused irritation: the European Union (EU) invited the Syrian foreign minister to the annual economic forum. This gesture was interpreted as a signal of a possible easing of sanctions.
Within European public opinion and among human rights organizations, this approach met with clear rejection. Critics accused the EU of compromising its own principles in the field of human rights. Without a democratic constitution, such diplomatic gestures will only serve to legitimize an authoritarian regime.
Another key point of criticism concerns humanitarian aid. There is a call for aid and support not to be directed to one specific group alone, but to be made equally accessible to all affected population groups and organizations.
Meanwhile, the military agreement between HTS and the Syrian Democratic Forces is being viewed as a strategic military advance, but it has sparked new fears among the Syriacs. The complete absence of any mention of their concerns in the agreement is seen as a sign of political exclusion and heightens anxiety about their future in the country.
The fragile situation carries the risk of a new wave of migration. In light of continued instability and the lack of security guarantees, tens of thousands may once again set out, particularly towards neighboring countries and Europe. If the new administration fails to implement inclusive and reassuring political measures, a further escalation of the humanitarian crisis is imminent.
In view of these developments, the international community is called upon to contribute constructively to the stabilization of Syria. Local dynamics and the needs of all population groups must be taken into account in order to develop viable and sustainable solutions.
In conclusion, the fall of the Assad regime has ushered in a new phase of uncertainty and tensions. The takeover by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has exacerbated existing conflicts and created a climate of fear. The reactions of the international community and the political course of the coming years will be crucial in determining whether Syria finds a path to stability or sinks into renewed violence.
In this context, the European Syriac Union (ESU) issues an urgent appeal to the international community. The Christian Syriacs in the Middle East have been victims of violence, genocide, and displacement for decades. Many have had to leave their ancestral lands. The ESU therefore calls on the international community to support and protect the constitutional rights of the Syriacs in Syria so that they may live in safety and dignity.
