Rebel Leader Ahmad al-Sharaa’s Islamist Group Seizes Power in Syria, Raises Concerns Over Inclusiveness

Rebel leader Ahmad al-Sharaa and his Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) have rapidly established control over Syria’s state institutions following their lightning-fast seizure of power from Bashar al-Assad. The group is deploying police, forming an interim government, and holding meetings with foreign envoys — developments that have sparked international concern regarding the inclusiveness of the new administration.

HTS Consolidates Power

HTS’s ascent to power culminated with its capture of Damascus on Sunday as part of a larger rebel alliance. The group, once affiliated with al-Qaeda before officially severing ties in 2016, has since been striving to present a more moderate image. Their swift consolidation of power was marked by the appointment of Mohammed al-Bashir, a prominent HTS figure from Idlib, as Syria’s new interim prime minister. Bashir had previously led the regional government in HTS-controlled Idlib.

HTS bureaucrats from Idlib have now taken charge of Syria’s government ministries, previously under Assad’s control. The new authorities have promised a departure from Islamic governance, with Mohammed Ghazal, the newly appointed head of the Damascus governor’s office, stating, “There is no such thing as Islamic governance. After all, we are Muslims and it’s civil institutions or ministries.”

Ghazal, a 36-year-old civil engineer with experience in the United Arab Emirates, assured the public that minority rights would be protected, emphasizing that “The one who made the problem was the (Assad) regime.” However, critics have raised alarms over HTS’s decision to fill key positions with administrators from Idlib rather than drawing from Syria’s broader social fabric.

Concerns Over Inclusiveness

The formation of the interim government has prompted concerns among diplomats and opposition figures. Critics argue that HTS is failing to engage Syria’s diverse population. Zakaria Malahifji, secretary general of the Syrian National Movement, stated, “You are bringing (ministers) from one color, there should be participation of others… Syrian society is diverse in terms of cultures, ethnicities, so frankly this is concerning.”

HTS’s lack of clarity on the constitution-drafting process has also raised eyebrows. While Prime Minister Mohammed al-Bashir stated that he would only stay in power until March 2025, many doubt HTS’s commitment to relinquishing control. The U.S. State Department has urged HTS to prioritize an inclusive, non-sectarian government, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254, which calls for free and fair elections and a constitution-drafting process facilitated by the United Nations.

Security and Stability

Security remains a top priority for HTS as it seeks to restore order in Damascus. Former HTS police officers from Idlib have been stationed to manage traffic and enforce law and order. However, the city’s stability is fragile, as rebel factions from border regions remain armed. The risk of infighting among opposition factions remains high, given the historical rivalries that developed during Syria’s 13-year civil war.

Observers warn of potential authoritarianism under HTS’s rule. Yezid Sayigh, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Middle East Center, noted, “There are multiple risks with HTS setting priorities and the pace for what comes next. One of these is to establish a new form of authoritarian rule, this time in Islamic garb.”

Focus on Economic Revival

Efforts to stabilize the economy are also underway. Salaries for public employees, which previously averaged $25 per month, will be increased to $100 per month, matching the pay rate in the HTS-controlled Idlib administration. Ghazal claims this increase will be financed by eliminating state corruption, alleging that “The regime used to steal the money.”

HTS faces the monumental task of rebuilding Syria’s battered infrastructure. Describing the current state of affairs, Ghazal said, “It’s a collapsed state. It’s ruins, ruins, ruins.” The administration’s immediate priorities include restoring basic services and streamlining the bureaucracy to improve governance.

International Reactions and Diplomatic Maneuvering

HTS has begun engaging with foreign envoys, but questions remain over which parties they are consulting. One diplomat in Damascus commented, “We are concerned — where are all the heads of the political opposition? It would be a major signal to have them here, and they are not here.”

The Biden administration has reportedly advised HTS to avoid assuming “automatic leadership” of the country and instead foster an inclusive process for forming a transitional government. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that the transition should lead to “credible, inclusive, and non-sectarian governance” under the guidance of the UN’s Resolution 2254.

Turkey, a key regional player and backer of certain Syrian opposition groups, is also believed to be pushing for a broader, more inclusive government. Experts believe that Turkey’s support for a diversified opposition-led government could pressure HTS to share power with other factions.

What’s Next for Syria?

In the weeks ahead, HTS faces crucial decisions on the nature of Syria’s new constitution, the role of minority rights, and the power-sharing arrangement with other opposition groups. Failure to address these issues could destabilize the fledgling government and risk renewed infighting.

Joshua Landis, a Syria expert and head of the Center for Middle East Studies at the University of Oklahoma, highlighted the importance of balancing power. “Sharaa must assert authority quickly to stop a descent into chaos,” he said. “But he must also try to scale up his administrative capacity by bringing in technocrats and representatives of the diverse communities.”

With HTS’s future leadership role uncertain, the world will be watching closely to see if Ahmad al-Sharaa (Abu Mohammed al-Golani) can transform his militant group into a governing authority capable of leading a pluralistic, peaceful, and stable Syria. For now, doubts remain over whether this change is genuine or merely a shift from one form of authoritarian rule to another.