Assad’s ouster in December 2024 marked a seismic shift in Syria’s political landscape. The Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), recognized for its extremist roots as the predecessor of the Al-Nusra Front, under the leadership of Ahmed al-Sharaa, faces the daunting task of shaping a new political order. Surprisingly, al-Sharaa has taken a pragmatic stance, emphasizing Syria's long history of pluralism and the potential for peaceful coexistence among all ethnicities and religions. However, the recent integration of Islamic teachings into Syria's law enforcement and education systems has sparked controversy....