A week after the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria, a post-Assad era may begin to emerge but it is far from certain what form that will take.
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the dominant faction among Syrian rebels, has transplanted its rule from Idlib Province to governance in Damascus, progressively taking the key cabinet posts for its own people. The group is certainly beginning the process of restoring public administration and order but concerns are already being raised over the speed and extent of its takeover of government.
There remains a widespread optimism that a period of calm may unfold during the three months of interim rule by HTS, which is led by Ahmad al-Sharaa. By the end of that period, it is hoped that a more representative government will emerge from across the many confessional and ethnic groups that make up Syria.
