Syria's Turmoil Grows Under Interim Leadership

Syria is undergoing significant changes following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad, who fled the country after 14 years of civil war. The leadership shift to Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, who previously had ties to ISIS and Al-Qaeda but has since renounced his jihadi affiliations, has been met with challenges of unifying a fractured nation. Violence continues, with pro-Assad loyalists causing significant civilian casualties, including over 1,000 Alawite deaths. Islamist militias like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham maintain influence in key regions, complicating the government's efforts to establish order. Foreign powers, including Turkey, are expected to play a significant role in rebuilding Syria, though the U.S.-Turkey conflict over Kurdish factions remains unresolved. Despite the hopes for a new beginning, sectarian violence and political instability persist in the Syrian landscape.