ISW: Rebel forces move toward transitional government, seeks reconciliation with Syrian regime PHOTO

Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS) is making significant strides toward establishing a transitional government and reconciling with members of the former Syrian regime and the Syrian Arab Army (SAA).

The group is focusing on ensuring the continuity of governance to avoid widespread anarchy in Syria, in line with HTS’s longstanding approach to managing "liberated areas," Caliber.Az reports citing the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

On December 9, HTS appointed Mohammad al Bashir, the Prime Minister of the HTS-led Syrian Salvation Government, to lead the new transitional government. The Syrian Salvation Government was established in northwestern Syria in 2017.

Bashir met with HTS leader Abu Mohammed al Jolani and former Assad Regime Prime Minister Mohammed al Jalali on the same day to discuss the process of transferring power from the Assad regime to HTS. Jalali emphasized the importance of preserving government institutions and efforts to reintegrate around 400,000 public employees into their roles.

In a separate meeting on December 9, HTS-led Salvation Government Justice Minister Shadi al Waisi met with former Assad Regime Justice Minister Ahmed al Sayeh to discuss an “efficient handover.” HTS has rapidly rolled out its governance system in areas of Syria it has liberated from the Assad Regime in the past. The group likely recognizes that, given its smaller and Idlib-focused government apparatus, it cannot govern all of Syria on its own and will have to rely on Syrian government institutions during this transitional phase.

HTS announced a general amnesty on December 9 for all Syrian regime military personnel who were conscripted under compulsory service. HTS stressed that these individuals’ lives are “safe” and that “no assault on them is permitted.”

The group has also sought to integrate former Syrian regime military and security personnel into civilian life, particularly in Aleppo City, which HTS seized on November 30. As noted by the CTP-ISW, the reintegration of former combatants into civilian life is crucial to ensuring stability and security during the post-conflict transition.

In an effort to improve its image both domestically and internationally, HTS is positioning itself as a group committed to building a pluralist Syrian state. On December 9, HTS announced that it would not allow interference in women’s clothing choices or the imposition of modest dress requirements. The organization stressed that “respecting the rights of individuals is the basis for building a civilized nation.” HTS also stated that attacks on or threats against journalists and reporters are “strictly forbidden.”

However, it remains unclear whether HTS will continue to protect the rights of women and journalists indefinitely. HTS’s "morality police," known as Markaz al Falah, have previously arrested women for allegedly dressing “inappropriately” and imprisoned journalists critical of its rule in northwestern Syria.

By Vafa Guliyeva