Syria's New Prime Minister Pledges Minority Rights

Following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad, Syria's new Prime Minister Mohammad al-Bashir has pledged to ensure the rights of all religious groups and called on millions of refugees to return home. His appointment marks a significant transition after over five decades of Assad family rule, during which dissent was brutally suppressed. Al-Bashir, representing the Islamist-led alliance Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), emphasized that their governance will be inclusive and will guarantee justice for victims of the previous regime. Celebrations erupted across Syria as citizens welcomed the end of Assad's dictatorship, while HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani vowed to hold accountable those involved in torture. Despite HTS being designated a terrorist organization by many, they are attempting to moderate their image to gain broader acceptance. The situation remains complex as Syria navigates its uncertain future amidst calls for stability from international actors like Russia.