Taliban Congratulates Syrian Rebels After Assad Ouster

The Taliban-led government in Afghanistan has congratulated the coalition of Islamist rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), for the ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, marking the end of his 24-year regime and a significant turn in the Syrian civil war. In their statement, the Taliban expressed hope that this transition would lead to the establishment of a government aligned with Islamic values and the aspirations of the Syrian people. They emphasized the need for a peaceful, unified system and called for a general amnesty to facilitate the return of refugees. The fall of Assad's regime has raised concerns about further instability in the region, especially following recent conflicts involving Hamas and Israel. The international response to the Taliban's congratulatory message highlights their ongoing diplomatic isolation, as no country has officially recognized their government since they took power in 2021. The Taliban's remarks reflect their desire to shape a new narrative in the region, despite their own struggles for legitimacy.