On December 24, 2024, Syria's newly appointed de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Julani, announced significant developments aimed at consolidulating power and stabilizing the nation after years of civil conflict. A momentous agreement has been reached among various former rebel factions to dissolve their individual organizations and integrate them under the supervision of the Syrian Defense Ministry. This ambitious move follows the recent ousting of Bashar al-Assad, marking the collapse of the regime he led for over 13 years.
During this transformative meeting, Sharaa engaged with the heads of multiple armed factions, culminating in the decision to unify these rebel groups. The Syrian state-run news service, Sana, reported the outcome as pivotal for the country's administrative restructuring and establishment of effective governance. While the majority of factions have agreed to this strategic merger, noteworthy is the absence of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which continue to control significant portions of northeastern Syria.
Prime Minister Mohammed al-Bashir previously outlined intentions to remodel the Defense Ministry, inviting the integration of former rebel factions and defected officers from Assad’s military. This reflects broader efforts within the new Syrian leadership to project authority and mitigate the fragmentation caused by years of warfare. According to reports, Murhaf Abu Qasra, known for his role within the rebellion, has been appointed as the interim defense minister, tasked with the colossal responsibility of managing and unifying these previously independent entities.
The resolution reached during Tuesday’s meeting came shortly after the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) seized control of Damascus on December 8, prompting Assad's forced exile. Amidst all this upheaval, al-Sharaa asserted the fundamental principle: “We absolutely will not allow for weapons outside the framework of the state.” This statement is part of his broader commitment to reflecting state authority across the diverse armed groups, including those with historical ties to Islamism.
Ahmed al-Sharaa has attempted to assuage fears among Syria's ethnic and religious minorities by emphasizing his administration's intentions not to pursue vengeance or discrimination against the previous regime's supporters. His stance has received attention from various factions and stakeholders within Syria and the international community alike, with the aim of reassuring them about the future political climate.
He stated, “We will not seek revenge against the former regime or repress any religious minority.” This perspective is particularly important, considering the varied ethnic makeup of the nation, composed of Sunnis, Shiites, Kurds, and Christians, among others.
Since the regime's collapse, al-Sharaa's new administration has faced mounting challenges, including the need to prevent potential conflict between various armed groups. With numerous factions vying for influence and control, maintaining order and governance has emerged as one of the most urgent tasks for Sharaa. His leadership style, previously characterized as pragmatic, is now being tested as he encapsulates the desires of both the military and civilian sectors trying to establish peace.
Further complicate matters, the Kurdish forces, especially the SDF, have remained significantly noncommittal concerning integration within the new national armed forces. They have indicated some openness to dialogue with Damascus, but their absence from recent discussions raises questions about the future cohesion of Syrian governance.
This unification effort also occurs against the backdrop of international geopolitical dynamics. Qatar, having previously distanced itself from the Assad regime, has called for the removal of sanctions on Syria, intimated through renewed diplomatic relations with the new government. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari stated, “The crimes committed by the former regime are no longer relevant,” indicating a notable shift and normalization of relations.
While these developments indicate efforts toward political reintegration and stability, external influences such as Turkey’s longstanding animosity toward Kurdish factions, the complex ties between HTS and Turkey, and substantial U.S. interests are equally significant. Sharaa’s ability to navigate these international waters will be key to his newfound authority. Analysts suggest the regional players including the U.S. will closely monitor attempts to consolidate military strength and political alliances.
With the rebel factions now operating under the Defense Ministry, the central government's authority appears to be reasserting itself. Yet, how this arrangement will endure or evolve remains to be seen. Each faction's loyalty and operational autonomy will be pivotal as Syria moves forward post-Assad. A stable reconciled entity, especially one free from sectarian strife, is now on the horizon, but not without considerable scrutiny.
Moving forward, al-Sharaa holds the monumental position of shepherding transition toward stability, not just politically but socially, as he strives to integrate diverse interests within Syria. The success or failure of these efforts will likely have lasting repercussions on the Syrian people and the broader region.
