The Hindu: Published on 6th December 2025.
Why in News?
Syria’s new President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who came to power after ousting Bashar al-Assad, has achieved major international diplomatic victories including sanctions relief, restored ties, and high-level visits.
However, he is now facing major domestic challenges: sectarian violence, fractured security forces, minority insecurity, and Israeli bombing threats.
The contrast between international rehabilitation and internal instability has made his situation globally significant.
BACKGROUND:
Bashar al-Assad’s regime (50+ years of Assad family rule) collapsed after an Islamist alliance led by Sharaa captured Damascus on 8 December last year.
Sharaa is a former jihadist, once linked to Al-Qaeda, and was previously on U.S. bounty lists.
After coming to power, he abolished armed factions but absorbed many fighters into the new national army and security forces.
A temporary constitution is in place, but critics say it concentrates too much power in a transitional President.
KEY DEVELOPMENTS:
International Arena
U.S., EU, Britain lifted major sanctions.
UN and U.S. removed Sharaa from terrorism lists.
Syria signed multiple infrastructure, energy, and transport deals.
Sharaa visited Gulf nations, Europe, U.S., and Russia.
Diplomatic ties restored with several countries.
Domestic Front:
Severe sectarian violence in Alawite and Druze regions killed thousands.
Government or affiliated forces allegedly involved in some massacres.
Growing demands for minority security, political inclusion, and constitutional reform.
Kurdish integration talks stalled.
A partially completed parliamentary selection process (Sharaa yet to fill 70 seats).
KEY ISSUES:
(a) Trust Deficit Among Minorities
Alawites and Druze communities feel unsafe after mass killings.
Government’s weak control over militant factions raises doubts.
Critics accuse Sharaa of failing in national reconciliation.
(b) Fragmented Security Structure
Absorption of rebel fighters into official forces has created parallel chains of command.
Warlords controlling ministries and regional administrations contribute to instability.
(c) Constitutional and Political Concerns:
Temporary constitution criticized for:
Over-centralizing power.
Not representing ethnic/religious diversity.
Weak civilian oversight.
(d) Regional Pressures — Israel
Israel continues bombing Syrian territory.
Push for a demilitarised zone in the south.
Trump urged Israel not to destabilise Syria.
(e) Fear of Power Vacuum:
Analysts say minorities prefer Sharaa over chaos.
Country still faces:
Secessionist demands (coastal regions, Sweida).
Kurdish decentralisation push.
IMPACT:
On Syria
Political stability remains fragile despite Syria’s return to world diplomacy.
Sectarian distrust threatens national unity.
Rebuilding the state apparatus is slow and uncertain.
On the Region:
Israel’s actions could trigger wider confrontation.
Changes in Syria alter geopolitical equations for Iran, Turkey, Gulf states, U.S., Russia.
On the International Community
A rehabilitated Syria may reopen trade and energy corridors.
But concerns persist about militant absorption into government structures.
CRITICISMS:
Failure to prevent massacres in Alawite and Druze regions.
Inability to control Islamist militias.
Temporary constitution not inclusive.
Lack of nationwide participation in parliamentary formation.
SUPPORT FOR SHARAA:
Many Syrians see him as the only viable option to avoid renewed civil war or fragmentation.
International acceptance gives him credibility.
Efforts at institution building and infrastructure deals show some progress.
THE ROAD AHEAD:
Sharaa’s key challenges:
Establishing a unified, disciplined security apparatus.
Ensuring minority protection and preventing sectarian reprisals.
Implementing inclusive constitutional reforms.
Managing Kurdish integration and regional demands.
De-escalating tensions with Israel.
Completing legitimate political institutions, including parliament.
Rebuilding a war-shattered economy.
If he fails, Syria risks:
Renewed civil war, Further fragmentation, Collapse of trust among major communities
