Syria’s New Transitional Government Pushes for Russian Withdrawal Amid Political Transition

Syria‘s newly formed transitional government, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rebel group, has called for Russia to reconsider its military presence in Syria. This request comes after the overthrow of longtime President Bashar al-Assad. The HTS has emphasized the shift towards a more inclusive and diplomatic approach, signaling Syria’s desire to build new relations with international actors and move away from Assad’s regime.

Calls for Russian Withdrawal Amid Strategic Shift
The transitional government argues that Russia’s military presence in Syria, especially at critical military bases like the Khmeimim Air Base and the Tartus naval base, is no longer aligned with the country’s new direction. These bases have been essential to Russia’s strategy in the region, providing Moscow with direct access to the Mediterranean and serving as key outposts for naval exercises. However, recent movements of Russian military assets, including the withdrawal of naval ships and military vehicles from strategic locations, have raised questions about Russia’s future role in Syria. Arnaout, the government spokesperson, has urged Russia to reconsider its presence, signaling that its interests are no longer aligned with the overthrow of Assad.

Syria’s Open-Diplomacy Approach and Global Engagement
Under the leadership of the HTS, Syria’s new transitional government is pursuing a foreign policy of openness. This shift includes engaging with Western powers and international organizations that had previously been hesitant to interact with the regime. The US, EU, and UK have started to engage with the HTS, with the EU announcing that it would send a top diplomat to Damascus to explore diplomatic relations with the new government. The growing willingness of these international players to establish contacts with Syria’s new leadership marks a significant step in its attempt to normalize relations and rebuild the war-torn country.

The Challenge of Reassessing the HTS’s Terrorist Label
One of the major hurdles facing Syria’s new transitional government is the international designation of HTS as a terrorist group. The UN and EU have listed HTS as a terrorist organization since 2014 due to its historical ties to al-Qaeda. However, Arnaout and other HTS leaders are pushing for the removal of this designation, asserting that the group has reformed its operations and is focused on unity, justice, and a new direction for Syria. Despite these claims, the group faces accusations of human rights violations, such as executions under strict interpretations of Islamic law, which raises doubts about its ability to establish a pluralistic and inclusive society. Syria’s diverse population, including Sunnis, Alawites, Christians, Kurds, and other ethnic minorities, poses a significant challenge for the HTS in fostering stability and unity.

Syria’s Path to Recovery
Syria’s new leadership is determined to move the country towards a free-market economy, seeking international investments to help rebuild after almost 14 years of brutal conflict. However, the road to recovery will be fraught with challenges, particularly regarding the HTS’s ability to establish legitimacy and overcome its controversial past. The coming months and years will be crucial in determining whether Syria can truly transition to a new political order, one that can balance the demands of international diplomacy with the complexities of its internal divisions.