From rebel faction to ruling force: HTS navigates power and legitimacy in post-Assad Syria
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has emerged as the dominant force in Syria, especially after toppling the regime of Bashar al-Assad. This group, which has a complex history, has evolved from its origins as an affiliate of Al-Qaeda into a key actor in Syria’s ongoing conflict. Once a symbol of radical jihadism, HTS now aims to present itself as a force for governance and stability in a country torn apart by years of civil war.
What is HTS?
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) is an Islamist militant group that has become a dominant force in Syria. Founded in 2012 as Jabhat al-Nusra, an Al-Qaeda affiliate, it later severed ties and rebranded in 2017 under Ahmed al-Sharaa’s leadership. Initially focused on overthrowing the Assad regime, HTS now controls large parts of Syria, especially in Idlib, and seeks to transition into a governing authority. While it aims to redefine itself and gain legitimacy, its past ties to extremism and ongoing controversies remain significant challenges.
The rise of HTS
HTS traces its roots back to 2012 when it was originally formed as Jabhat al-Nusra, an offshoot of Al-Qaeda, during the early stages of the Syrian Civil War. The group’s initial goal was to overthrow the Assad regime and establish an Islamic state. However, in 2016, HTS leader Abu Mohammad al-Jolani (now Ahmed al-Sharaa) made the decision to sever ties with Al-Qaeda, marking the beginning of a shift in HTS’s identity. In 2017, after merging with other rebel groups, HTS officially took form under its current name.
For years, HTS controlled large parts of Syria’s northwestern province of Idlib, operating as a key player in the complex web of Syria’s opposition factions. Its military campaigns and guerilla warfare tactics were central to its strategy against the Assad regime. However, the group’s influence was not confined solely to the battlefield; it also maintained significant control over the local population, with HTS operating both as a militant group and a de facto governing authority in its strongholds.
The fall of Assad’s regime and HTS’s role in Syria’s new era
In a turn of events, HTS played a pivotal role in the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, ultimately taking control of Damascus, Syria’s capital, and other key territories. This marks a watershed moment in Syria’s history, ending nearly 54 years of Assad’s family rule. The victory of HTS was aided by its strategic alliances and military prowess, but its success also highlights the diminished position of Assad’s former backers, including Russia and Iran, who have been distracted by other regional conflicts.
Now that HTS has consolidated power, Ahmed al-Sharaa, the new leader, has focused on transitioning from a rebel faction to a governing authority. Al-Sharaa reassured Syria’s minority communities that his group’s rule will respect their rights. He emphasized the need for a “social contract” between the state and its diverse religious and ethnic groups to ensure justice and peace.
A shift toward political legitimacy
HTS’s approach has undergone a significant transformation. In a bid to avoid being pigeonholed as a radical extremist group, HTS has taken steps to rebuild Syria’s state institutions, promising to integrate its fighters into the defense ministry and dissolve rebel factions that have been a part of its military strategy. Al-Sharaa, in a statement, noted that all fighters would be subject to the law, highlighting the group’s desire to present itself as a legitimate governing body.
In addition to its internal restructuring, HTS has expressed a commitment to reconciliation with groups that may have been opposed to its rise to power. In particular, the group has made overtures toward the Kurdish communities in Syria, asserting that Kurdish rights will be protected under HTS’s rule while reaffirming that Syria must remain united and no territory should be ceded.
Challenges on the international stage
While HTS has strengthened its control over Syria, its status on the global stage remains controversial. The group has been labeled a terrorist organization by Western powers, including the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom, due to its former affiliation with Al-Qaeda and its history of human rights violations, including executions for blasphemy and adultery. These designations have placed significant sanctions on HTS, severely restricting its international relations.
However, in the wake of HTS’s victory, international reactions have been mixed. Some governments, particularly those in the European Union, have indicated a willingness to reconsider HTS’s terrorist designation, especially if the group demonstrates its commitment to human rights, including the protection of minorities and women. The United Kingdom, for instance, has initiated discussions about the potential removal of sanctions, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer stating that it was “too early” to make definitive judgments on HTS’s role in Syria’s future.
The road ahead for HTS and Syria
Now that HTS has assumed control over Syria, the country faces a critical juncture. HTS’s primary goal is to establish a stable, unified government that can repair Syria’s fractured social fabric. As part of this process, HTS has taken steps to rebuild Syria’s institutions and seek international recognition, while balancing the complexities of managing Syria’s diverse ethnic and religious groups.
However, many challenges lie ahead. Despite HTS’s efforts to present itself as a stabilizing force, its history of violence and extremism remains a point of contention. The group’s ability to forge lasting peace and manage Syria’s reconstruction will depend on its ability to maintain control over the country’s territories, manage competing regional interests, and prove to the world that it can govern inclusively and justly.
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