Recently, Syria's rebel-appointed prime minister engaged in discussions with officials from the ousted Assad regime, marking a significant step in the transition of power. The meeting, which took place against the backdrop of the Syrian revolution flag and an Islamic declaration flag, raised eyebrows and sparked controversy on social media.
Following the publicized cabinet meeting, caretaker Prime Minister Mohammad Al Bashir, previously in charge of Idlib province, appeared in a televised interview with the new Syrian flag, indicating a shift in optics.
Insights into the rebels' governance style were gleaned from their rule in Idlib, characterized as pragmatic and influenced by internal and external pressures. While efforts were made to distance themselves from a jihadist past and seek international acceptance, governance in Idlib was noted as lacking in democratic and liberal practices.
Looking ahead, the challenge of governing a diverse nation like Syria looms large for the rebels. Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, leader of Hayat Tahrir Al Sham (HTS), the group behind the rebel offensive, has chosen a technocrat to lead Syria temporarily, acknowledging the need for experience beyond Idlib.
In a meeting with Assad's prime minister, Jolani emphasized the rebels' past successes in Idlib but recognized the necessity of leveraging the expertise of the old guard. He highlighted the importance of learning from previous governance experiences to navigate the complexities of leading a nation like Syria.
