Syrian Refugees Begin Returning Home as Interim Prime Minister Takes Office
Refugees from Syria’s prolonged civil war began returning home on Wednesday following the appointment of a new interim prime minister, who stated he was backed by the rebel factions responsible for overthrowing President Bashar al-Assad.
Call for Inclusive Leadership
The U.S., engaging with rebels led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), urged them to avoid assuming automatic leadership of Syria. Instead, they were encouraged to establish an inclusive transitional government.
“The new administration must make clear commitments to uphold minority rights, ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in need, and prevent Syria from becoming a terrorist haven or a threat to neighboring countries,” U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized in a statement.
HTS, previously affiliated with al Qaeda, spearheaded the anti-Assad uprising and has recently downplayed its jihadist origins.
New Interim Leadership
Mohammed al-Bashir, a relatively unknown figure across Syria, announced on state television that he would head the interim government until March 1.
“We held a cabinet meeting today, including members from both the Salvation Government in Idlib and the ousted regime’s administration,” Bashir said.
Behind him were two flags: the tricolor opposition flag symbolizing resistance against Assad and a white flag bearing the Islamic oath of faith, associated with Sunni Islamist fighters in Syria.
Rebuilding Efforts Begin Amidst Challenges
Syria faces an enormous rebuilding effort after a devastating civil war that left hundreds of thousands dead, cities in ruins, and the economy crippled by international sanctions. Millions remain displaced, with many still living in refugee camps.
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Some refugees, including those in Turkey, have started returning to Syria. Among them was Ala Jabeer, who crossed back into Syria with his young daughter on Tuesday, 13 years after fleeing his home. His wife and three other children were lost in the earthquakes that struck the region last year.
“My mother in Latakia will take care of my daughter while I work. God willing, things will improve now that Assad’s oppression has ended,” Jabeer said tearfully.
In Damascus, life showed signs of normalization as banks reopened, shops resumed business, streets were cleaned, and traffic returned. Armed personnel, a regular sight during Assad’s regime, were notably fewer.
U.S. Response and Concerns
U.S. Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer revealed that Washington is still evaluating its approach to the rebel groups, stating that no formal policy changes have been made yet. While U.S. troops stationed in northeastern Syria for counter-terrorism missions will remain, the administration has not indicated whether HTS’s designation as a terrorist organization will be reconsidered.
“We’ve seen militant groups promise inclusivity and minority rights in the past, only to fall short. Actions will speak louder than words,” State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller commented.
Miller also highlighted that Washington has prioritized efforts to locate and free American journalist Austin Tice, who was kidnapped in Syria in 2012, and has requested HTS’s assistance in the matter.
Israeli Military Actions Create New Security Concerns
Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes targeted Syrian army bases, dismantling strategic weapons stockpiles over the last 48 hours. Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israel aims to establish a “sterile defense zone” in southern Syria without maintaining a permanent troop presence.
Although Israeli forces moved beyond the buffer zone established after the 1973 Middle East war, the military denied advancing toward Damascus. Israel’s actions, which have drawn condemnation from Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, pose additional challenges for Syria’s interim government, though Israeli officials insist their intervention is temporary.
