The sudden downfall of longtime Syrian President Bashar al-Assad at the hands of a rapid rebel offensive has brought a dramatic new turn to Syria’s nearly 14-year civil war. While opponents of the ousted government are elated, there are also deep-rooted concerns about the many uncertainties ahead.
Now, all eyes are on the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group—a former Al-Qaeda affiliate—and its leader, Abu Mohammed al-Golani, as questions arise as to his willingness and capacity to come through on promises to eschew extremism and oversee a more prosperous and inclusive future for Syria.
However, new frontlines are already being drawn.
Fears are mounting of a new fight along the lines of control between the insurgent coalition and the United States-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-led faction that wields effective control over nearly a third of the nation in the north and east. Among the opposition ranks is the Syrian National Army, backed by U.S. NATOally Turkey, which …