Syria's Future Threatens U.S. Security

A masked opposition fighter carries a flag of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in the courtyard of the Umayyad Mosque in the old walled city of Damascus, Syria, on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. HTS is the largest

As the Assad regime collapsed in Syria, rebel forces swiftly took control of key cities, including Aleppo and Damascus. President-elect Donald J. Trump's recent stance of non-involvement in Syria reflects a desire to avoid foreign conflicts and focus on domestic issues.

However, the rise of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a terrorist organization now governing Syria, poses a significant threat. HTS, a former Al Qaeda affiliate with ties to ISIS, is led by Abu Mohammed al-Golani, a radical militant with a history of violence.