The recent removal of Bashar Assad from power has sparked cautious optimism among Syrians for a future of peaceful coexistence after decades of authoritarian rule. Despite initial concerns of widespread sectarian violence following Assad's ousting, the situation has been relatively calm in the aftermath of the civil war.
Credit for the current stability is being attributed to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamic militant group that led the insurgency against Assad. Despite its ties to al-Qaida, HTS has pledged to uphold religious and ethnic inclusivity, denouncing revenge killings and working to ease tensions in affected communities.
