Syria’s rebel leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, head of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), pledged to disband rebel factions and integrate fighters into a defense ministry to reassure minorities and promote unity.

Sharaa emphasized protecting all Syrians and restoring relations with foreign nations while urging the lifting of international sanctions to enable refugee returns.

Assad’s recent fall has led the EU to reopen its delegation in Damascus and France to raise its embassy flag after 12 years.

However, concerns remain over HTS’s ties to al-Qaida and the risk of an Islamic State resurgence, The Guardian has reported.

Western nations, including Germany and the UK, face backlash for suspending Syrian asylum applications amid uncertainty.

Written by B.C. Begley