Rebel Coalition In Syria Advances In Overthrowing Assad Regime

Opposition forces take control of areas outside Aleppo, Syria, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Ghaith Alsayed)

Syria's rebel coalition, led by militant leader Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, is making significant strides in its mission to overthrow authoritarian President Bashar al-Assad. The main group driving the armed opposition, Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), aims to bring an end to the Assad regime and establish a new government based on institutions and a council chosen by the people.

Al-Jolani emphasized that the revolution's primary objective remains the removal of the current regime, asserting the right to use all available means to achieve this goal. The recent capture of major cities like Aleppo and Hama has dealt a significant blow to Assad and his supporters in Iran and Russia, reigniting the country's civil war.

Despite being designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the United States in 2018, HTS continues its military advances, with al-Jolani projecting a more modern and political image. He has distanced himself from his al Qaeda roots and expressed a vision for a future Syria governed by institutions and inclusive of all religious and ethnic minorities.

Al-Jolani distances from al Qaeda roots, envisions inclusive governance.

HTS led by al-Jolani seeks to remove Assad through military advances.

Capture of Aleppo and Hama weakens Assad's regime.

While concerns have been raised about HTS' treatment of political dissidents and minorities, al-Jolani assured that steps have been taken to address past violations and ensure the safety of all groups under rebel rule. He condemned extremist practices and brutality, emphasizing a commitment to a more inclusive and accountable governance model.

As the rebel coalition expands its control over territory and population, al-Jolani called for the withdrawal of foreign forces from Syria once the Assad regime falls. He highlighted the need for a new governing system that is institutional and transparent, contrasting with the decades-long authoritarian rule of the Assad dynasty.

Al-Jolani framed HTS as a temporary vehicle for confronting the current regime, emphasizing a broader project of rebuilding Syria and fostering stability in the war-torn country. The rebel leader's evolving rhetoric and strategic maneuvers reflect a complex and dynamic landscape in Syria's ongoing conflict.