Syria's New Leadership Faces Regional Tensions and Kurdish Opposition

Ahmad al-Chareh, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, consolidates power in post-Assad Syria with Turkish backing, while neighboring nations assess the shifting dynamics.

• Ahmad al-Chareh, head of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has assumed leadership in Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad on December 8, marking the end of the Assad family's five-decade rule.
• Turkey's Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, met with al-Chareh in Damascus, emphasizing Ankara's stance against the Kurdish YPG, which Turkey views as a threat to Syria's unity and stability.
• Iran has reiterated its support for Syria's sovereignty but has stated it has no direct contact with the new leadership, urging Syria to avoid becoming a haven for terrorism.
• Jordan, hosting over a million Syrian refugees, has engaged diplomatically with the new Syrian administration, highlighting concerns over border security and illegal drug trafficking from Syria.
• The Kurdish YPG, instrumental in the fight against ISIS, faces increasing isolation as both regional and international actors distance themselves from the group amidst shifting alliances.

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