Concerns Rise Amidst Syrian Transitional Turmoil

The U.S. has expressed concerns to Syria's new foreign minister, Asaad Hassan al-Shaybani, regarding violent attacks by militant groups following the regime's collapse. The Assad regime's fall has left a power vacuum filled with various armed groups, raising fears of reprisals against minority communities, particularly Alawites. In the wake of this transition, Syrians have reported a newfound sense of freedom, recalling the oppressive atmosphere under Assad's rule, while acknowledging the fragility of their current situation. The UN's Special Envoy Geir Pedersen emphasized the need for a political solution and the importance of non-sectarian governance in the ongoing transition. Meanwhile, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has increased its military presence in key cities like Homs and Tartus amid rising sectarian tensions, particularly following the desecration of an Alawite shrine. These developments highlight the precarious stability in Syria as various factions vie for power and influence.