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. While officials argue this will promote morality and order, critics fear it could entrench HTS’s ideology in the state, marginalizing minorities and pushing a narrow vision of governance. While HTS remains grounded in Islamic principles, it seeks to govern inclusively to reassure Syria’s diverse population.
To navigate this transition, HTS may draw inspiration from the Medina Charter, a 622 CE document established by Prophet Muhammad that protected the rights of all communities. By adopting a similar framework, HTS could balance Islamic values with the needs of a pluralistic state. The path forward is fraught with challenges as the Kurdish conundrum persists and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) resists disbanding despite negotiations and demands for autonomy, a proposal firmly rejected by Defense Minister Abu Qasra, who insists on maintaining Syria’s territorial integrity. To mitigate tensions, al-Sharaa has emphasized the need for a “social contract” between the state and its diverse sects, along with the dissolution of rebel factions and integration of their fighters into a unified national army under the rule of law. At the 2025 Davos Forum, Asaad al-Shaibani reaffirmed Syria’s commitment to drafting a new constitution that represents all communities, with a strong emphasis on ensuring women’s participation. However, for now, Syria’s fate lies in doldrums.
