Syria is set to establish a new government on March 1, following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December by the Islamist group HTS and allied factions. This transition marks a significant shift, with the interim government led by Ahmed al-Scharaa stepping down. The incoming administration aims to represent Syria’s diverse ethnic and religious groups, rebuilding institutions after over five decades of Assad's rule and addressing the devastated economy following nearly 14 years of civil war.
The international community has pledged support for Syria’s transformation into a stable and representative government. France and the UK are considering easing sanctions to aid reconstruction, particularly in energy, transport, and finance sectors. However, they maintain restrictions on Assad and key allies. This support also includes addressing crimes committed during Assad's tenure and ensuring women and various groups are involved in the transitional government.
Russia, a long-time ally of Assad, has expressed continued support for Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, with President Putin engaging in dialogue with interim President al-Scharaa. Meanwhile, international efforts are focused on ensuring a ceasefire, facilitating reconstruction, and reducing foreign interference.
The challenges ahead include managing the influence of new Islamist rulers, ensuring the cooperation of the Kurdish groups, and dealing with the humanitarian crisis, including 56,000 refugees in camps. The cost of rebuilding Syria is estimated between $250-400 billion, with 70% of the population living in poverty. As Syria navigates this complex transition, global involvement remains crucial to its future stability and prosperity.
