Greece (Brussels Morning Newspaper) The new Syrian President faces a situation that may not seem overly complex but is undoubtedly dangerous. Many are looking to exploit the loose exercise of authority and the void left behind by the Assad regime. With Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) assuming de facto leadership in Syria, the nation remains embroiled in conflict and external aggression. Despite the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, Syria is now a fragmented battleground where various actors compete to secure influence amidst a potential power vacuum.
Turkey continues its operations to neutralize Kurdish militant groups, while Israel has targeted residual elements of the Syrian Arab Army and expanded territorial control. Meanwhile, the United States has escalated its campaign against ISIS, deploying warships to bolster its regional presence. These overlapping interests reflect a broader struggle among diverse factions and states, each seeking to reshape Syria’s post-Assad landscape to their advantage.
HTS has declared a general amnesty for individuals associated with the former regime, including military, police, intelligence officers, and pro-Assad militia members. Dedicated centers have been established where they can surrender their weapons and register for temporary civilian identity cards. The initiative aims to recover regime-issued weapons and facilitate the reintegration of these individuals into civilian society.
Israel
Israel can only gain from the current situation both territorially and defensively. It has occupied an additional area, while despite Turkey’s political statements, only Egypt and Qatar are actually against it and do not cooperate.
Israel has justified its strikes on Syrian military sites by stating they aim to prevent these assets from falling into the hands of extremist groups. Following the overthrow of Assad’s regime by rebels, who began to outline their plans while rival factions fought for control, Israel initiated its military operations. On the day the rebels seized Damascus, Israeli forces targeted assets linked to the Assad government. Over the subsequent days, the scale of the attacks escalated significantly, with Israel reportedly hitting nearly 500 targets across Syria.
According to Israeli military officials, the strikes led to the destruction of Syria’s navy and the elimination of 90% of its surface-to-air missile systems. The strikes specifically targeted anti-aircraft defenses, airfields, and weapons manufacturing facilities. Key locations affected included major urban and strategic centers such as Damascus, Homs, Tartus, Latakia, and Palmyra. These actions reflect Israel’s broader goal of weakening Syrian military infrastructure and mitigating potential threats from the region’s instability.
Türkiye
It is Turkey that is trying to maximize its support for the new political status quo. It is still not clear if it will surpass Israel in profits, if it will be given territories, but it is certain that the relations between Ankara and Damascus have never been better, securing the Turkmen community and limiting the Kurds of Syria.
Five Turkish Μinisters are scheduled to visit Damascus for discussions with their counterparts in Syria’s newly formed government, according to the Turkish newspaper Hurriyet. The visit coincides with talks about a potential visit by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Syria, which, if it occurs, would make him the first head of state to visit since Assad’s regime fell.
Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar is expected to play a prominent role, as energy cooperation is a priority for Ankara. The discussions will reportedly focus on the Syrian regional energy market and implementing international projects. Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu will address the modernization of airports and infrastructure, as well as maritime border agreements previously discussed.
Environment and Urbanization Minister Murat Kurum will focus on urban renewal efforts across various Syrian regions. Defense Minister Yaşar Güler plans to discuss security and counter-terrorism strategies, while Culture Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy will participate to promote cultural collaborations.
The collaborations will be of investment level as well as political, with a return plan for all 5 million Syrians living in Turkey. The new jobs will concern them as well, while sources state that the possibility of creating a loose confederation with the Turkmen of the North should not be excluded, in order to weaken the Kurdish Communities.
Washington is not convinced
The US Armed Forces are monitoring the developments and are particularly concerned as they are among the states/peacekeeping missions that attract attention and, in many cases, do not want them in the region. If something happens and the situation becomes unstable, they are the ones who will once again be called upon to enforce order.
Over the past year, U.S. bases in Syria and Iraq have faced increased attacks by Iran-backed armed groups aligned with Hamas, opposing American support for Israel. The U.S. has retaliated with airstrikes. Following Assad’s downfall, the U.S. reaffirmed its commitment to combating ISIS, with CENTCOM targeting suspected ISIS camps and operatives in Syria to prevent the group from exploiting the power vacuum. Their nervousness is not unreasonable as in central Syria’s Homs region, Islamic State forces killed 54 individuals who had been members of the Syrian government’s military and fled during the collapse of Assad’s regime.
However, renewed clashes between the U.S.-backed SDF and Turkish-supported militants have complicated the situation. The SDF reported being attacked by these groups, which it claims have also targeted facilities holding ISIS detainees, further straining efforts to maintain security in the region.
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