✍Surbhi Dinesh Singh Khichi

The long regime of dictatorship of the Assad family has come to an end overnight in the west Asian country, Syria. The president Bashar Al Assad fled the country with his family to Moscow and is in political asylum. After a rebellious outrage, Syria ousted the 50 - year brutal rule, the rebel coalition led by Hayat Tahrir Al – Sham (HTS), a former Al Qaeda affiliate whose main leader is Abu Mohammad Al – Jolani. There are numerous armed groups active in Syria apart from the HTS, the Syrian National Army which is backed by Turkey and the Syrian Democratic forces led by Kurdish.

The prime minister Mohammad Jalali has agreed to give the powers to the rebel groups. Syria is free from a rule right now, but do the rebel forces have a future ahead? The recent developments in the country have been real tricky. Although the people are relieved after the toppling of the President, what next? Will the opposition groups shut up after this? New powers shall ensure evading in the state. We cannot say that Damascus is really free, coz here come the threats –

• The reemergence of terrorism -  As many as thousands of IS militants have been detained in northeastern Syria. The rebel groups demand the release of these dangerous beings. If they are released or they come out anyway out of these detention sites, they will lead to further atrocities. This will lead to a resurgence of an Islamic state and a new wave of terrorism in the region. There is a strong possible terrorist threat to Syria and the world too.
• A conflict between foreign powers -  It is suspected that after the collapse of the Assad government, there can be various interventions from nearby countries. Iran has supported the Assad government, and after the overturn of power there may be clashes between Turkey and other Islamic and Arab nations. The historic disputes between Turkey and the Kurds also lie here. It has been emphasized that even USA, UK and Israel have been involved in the crimes happening in Syria.
• No self-dependency or stability -  There is political imbalance already, however since the rebellion began, there is a displacement of nearly a million women and children. As per the UN data, about 16 million people require humanitarian assistance with amenities for food, shelter and sanitation. This is the situation in merely 10 days, from November 28th to December 8th.
• The never ending Israeli strikes – Israel continues to strike Syria ever since the rebels took over. It is destroying military headquarters, intelligence headquarters, and ammunition centers. On Dec 9, the Israeli forces hit three airbases where dozens of jets and helicopters were destroyed. Israel is trying to hit the capital ensuring that the opposition forces are not able to set up or start the government again. USA and Turkey also fear that these weapons if get in the hands of rebel groups will hinder regional security. It has already taken control of the Syrian land near earlier occupied Golan heights, which is a violation of the 1974 agreement between both the nations.
• Sectarianism and the minority issue – For long, the Alawites who are a minority have been in power in Syria. Now as the Sunni Muslims come to power, majoritarianism might be imposed. The Sunnis became more rebellious and radicalized in their expression over the years. Now, there can be a fight about shaping Islam in Syria. The ideological differences have widened over time, state control over religion and localism has prevailed.
• Continued fight- The ruling government has been removed from power, however the fight between Kurdish forces and Hayat Tahrir Al- Sham might not end here. The Kurds have been working under the US army. They might not accept the other rebel group. And the turks will make sure that Kurds do not rise.

With these challenges in the upfront, peace is at a far end to reach. Though the rebellion was successful enough to oust the dictator, will it bring stability to the country, that’s better left on time at present. No war brings peace this easy. And this is certainly the one amongst the fellow countrymen themselves…