By Dr. Bashar Al-Haj Ali
With the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime and his flee from Damascus, the Aggression Deterrence Room, led by the military operations managed by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, became the de facto authority in the Syrian capital, Damascus.This development places the group before a significant challenge: it now finds itself in a position to steer the country towards a transitional phase that could pave the way for building Syria as a state—a state of law, rights, and responsibilities. The fundamental challenge is whether this is a temporary or permanent authority. The transition from chaos to stability requires that the Aggression Deterrence Room and the military operations leadership avoid efforts to entrench themselves as a permanent or ruling power. Syria’s experience with oppressive and factional regimes makes it necessary for Hayat Tahrir al-Sham to adopt an approach based on participation and integration with various political and social components.
But what are the national duties the Aggression Deterrence Room must carry out? There are several urgent tasks the Aggression Deterrence Room must address, including:
Being a Temporary Administration, not a Permanent Alternative: The role of the Aggression Deterrence Room must be confined to overseeing the transitional phase without engaging in efforts to establish absolute or unilateral authority. This requires ensuring the protection of the capital, maintaining security and stability first, and facilitating the return of basic services to the population, free from narrow political calculations.
Inclusive Participation in the Transitional Process: The military leadership must establish partnerships with civil and political national forces, ensuring fair representation of all segments of Syrian society. These partnerships are vital to avoid repeating past mistakes where specific forces or factions dominated political decisions.
Moving Towards a National Umbrella: This could include establishing a transitional national body composed of both military and civilian figures, responsible for preparing for a new phase based on a constitution that guarantees equal rights for all. The military file should be gradually handed over to a unified national army under civilian authority.
Political and Legal Responsibilities include:
Ensuring the Rule of Law: The leadership must work on strengthening justice and prevent any group or faction from imposing its own agenda. This requires clear legal mechanisms to hold accountable anyone who commits violations or abuses power.
Neutralizing Ideology in Governance: Although the leadership manages military operations, this does not grant them the right to impose an ideological or political vision on the Syrian people. Building a state of law requires respect for cultural, intellectual, and political diversity.
Empowering Civil State Institutions: Effective management of the capital necessitates strengthening civil institutions to be capable of providing essential services to the population. These institutions must be independent and not subject to military control.
Towards Syria as a State: A Historic OpportunityThe transition of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham from a military faction to a party contributing to state-building is a historic challenge following the collapse of the regime, with Damascus now under its control. However, the bigger question remains: How can this power be used to achieve a genuine transition towards a state of law and citizenship? The group must recognize that achieving this goal will not be through weapons alone, but by building trust with the Syrian people and the international community through clear steps, including:
- Calling for a comprehensive national dialogue.
- Establishing a specific timetable for political transition.
- Cooperating with international forces to ensure the country’s stability and restore its sovereignty.
Conclusion: The position of the Aggression Deterrence Room as the de facto authority in Damascus presents it with two options: either to be part of the national solution that will pull Syria out of its crisis, or to sink into repeating the unilateral governance models that the Syrian people have suffered from for decades. The first option requires political courage and a national vision that goes beyond factional calculations and seeks to build a Syria governed by law, rights, and responsibilities.
