How is Syria Navigating Challenges a Year After Assad's Fall?

Can Syria's New Leadership Navigate Sectarian Divides and ... Extremism?

Syria stands at a critical juncture a year after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former jihadist, has taken the helm in a complex landscape marked by both hope and tension. While he promises social cohesion and aims to establish a constitution reflecting the state's Islamic orientation, challenges persist. Sectarian violence and control within his ranks pose significant hurdles. Relations with Israel remain strained, complicating diplomatic efforts. The return of civilians and potential foreign investments signal a fragile recovery, yet the specter of authoritarianism looms large. Minority groups express apprehension over new policies, fearing marginalization amid the push for an Islamic identity. Additionally, the resurgence of extremist factions like the Islamic State threatens stability. Despite a reported decrease in corruption, economic reconstruction remains daunting, with poverty and unemployment continuing to plague the populace. The path forward demands delicate navigation of internal divisions and external pressures as the nation seeks to redefine its identity.