Golani speech/ HTS Syria/ Damascus celebrations/ Assad toppled/ Syria rebel leadership post-Assad governance/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani, now using his given name Ahmad al-Sharaa, called Bashar al-Assad’s fall “a victory for the Islamic nation” in his first public statement since Damascus fell to rebel forces. Speaking at the Umayyad Mosque, al-Golani condemned Assad’s regime and pledged inclusivity for all Syrians. As celebrations erupted across the capital, questions arose about the challenges ahead for rebuilding and uniting the war-torn country.
HTS Leader on Assad’s Fall: Quick Looks
- Historic Speech: Ahmad al-Sharaa (formerly al-Golani) addressed Syrians at the Umayyad Mosque, marking Assad’s fall as a triumph for the region.
- Unity Promised: Rebel leaders assured minorities and ethnic groups of inclusivity in Syria’s post-Assad era.
- Celebrations in Damascus: Crowds filled squares, chanting anti-Assad slogans and waving revolutionary flags.
- Prisoners Freed: Rebels released detainees from Saydnaya prison, a notorious site for torture.
- Future Uncertainty: Syria faces challenges of governance, reconciliation, and dealing with armed factions.
Rebel Chief al-Golani Declares Assad’s Fall a ‘Victory for the Islamic Nation’
Deep Look
Golani’s Address to Syrians
HTS leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, made his first public appearance since Damascus fell to rebels. Speaking at the iconic Umayyad Mosque, al-Sharaa celebrated Assad’s removal as a victory for the broader Islamic world.
He denounced Assad’s regime as “a farm for Iran’s greed” and pledged to lead Syria toward a pluralistic future. His shift to using his given name is seen as part of an effort to rebrand himself and his group as inclusive leaders capable of uniting the fractured country.
Celebrations in Damascus
Damascus erupted in joy as residents flooded the streets to celebrate Assad’s fall. Chanting anti-Assad slogans and firing celebratory gunshots, Syrians waved revolutionary flags in squares and mosques across the city.
“I cannot express my happiness,” said Bassam Masr, a father searching for his son who had been detained for 13 years. Families roamed the presidential palace, with some looting household items as symbolic spoils of victory.
Prisoners Freed Amid Rebel Advance
The rebels released prisoners from the infamous Saydnaya prison, a site long associated with torture and extrajudicial killings. Videos showed detainees, including women and children, emerging from cells in shock and confusion.
“This marks a new beginning,” said a rebel spokesperson, calling on Syrians to preserve state institutions for the “free Syrian state.”
Challenges Ahead for Rebel Leadership
While celebrations swept the capital, rebel leaders acknowledged the daunting task of uniting Syria’s diverse population. HTS and its leader al-Sharaa face the challenge of reconciling divisions among Sunnis, Alawites, Christians, and Kurds, as well as dealing with Turkey-backed factions and remnants of the Islamic State group.
“Syria is for everyone, no exceptions,” said rebel commander Anas Salkhadi. “We will not deal with people the way the Assad family did.”
International and Regional Responses
- Iran and Hezbollah: Assad’s removal is a significant blow to Tehran’s influence in Syria, with the Iranian Embassy in Damascus reportedly ransacked.
- Russia: Moscow confirmed Assad fled Syria but avoided direct involvement in his departure, focusing on securing its military bases.
- Turkey: Ankara’s influence in Syria is expected to grow as it aligns with rebel leaders to counter Kurdish forces.
- Israel: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a temporary buffer zone in the Golan Heights to protect Israeli citizens.
The United Nations has called for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure a peaceful transition, while Qatar hosted an emergency meeting of eight countries, including Russia, Iran, and Turkey, to discuss Syria’s future.
The Future of HTS Leadership
HTS, a former al-Qaida affiliate, has been rebranding itself as a moderate and tolerant group under al-Sharaa’s leadership. The group established a “salvation government” in 2017 to administer parts of northwestern Syria, but its ties to extremism remain a concern for international actors.
“Golani has made history and sparked hope among millions of Syrians,” said Dareen Khalifa, a senior adviser with the International Crisis Group. “But he and the rebels now face a formidable challenge ahead.”
Next Steps for Syria
Syria’s rebel leadership faces enormous hurdles, including:
- Establishing Governance: Building a unified government that represents all Syrians.
- Rebuilding Infrastructure: Restoring basic services and addressing widespread destruction.
- Managing Armed Factions: Integrating or disbanding rival factions to prevent further conflict.
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