Syria's armed factions are dissolving to join the army under Ahmed al-Sharaa's command

Two weeks after taking control of Syria in a military coup, Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, declared that all weapons in the country, including those held by Kurdish forces, would be brought under state authority. This announcement was made during a press conference held with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who emphasized the need for the international community to assist Syria in its recovery and to facilitate the return of displaced populations. Sharaa's regime has positioned itself as a protector of sects and minorities, promising to address sectarian tensions and eliminate any armed groups operating outside the government’s control. He stated that factions within the armed guerrilla group Syrian Democratic Forces would publicly dissolve and integrate into the state military. The backdrop to this dramatic shift in authority was the recent fall of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad, who was overthrown on December 8 by a coalition of armed groups, including Sharaa's Islamist faction, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. This alliance played a pivotal role in the offensive that led to Assad's ousting. With a history of supporting the Syrian government's opponents, Turkey now seeks to maintain strong relations with the new leadership, particularly to address concerns regarding Kurdish autonomy in the north. In a measure to ease regional tensions, Sharaa pledged to halt what he labeled “negative interference” in Lebanese affairs, echoing past Syrian interventions that had long strained Lebanese-Syrian relations. His conversations with Lebanese Druze leaders reflect this commitment to fostering stability, particularly among diverse sectarian groups within Syria. Sharaa's administration is under scrutiny as global powers, including the United States and the European Union, have begun re-engaging diplomatically with the new regime, pushing for assurances regarding women’s and minority rights. Sharaa's statements indicate a clear attempt to present a more unified and peaceful vision for Syria, one that encourages coexistence among its diverse communities. However, concerns remain regarding the effectiveness of his leadership and the group’s ability to fulfill these promises in light of its previous extremist affiliations. Nevertheless, the prevalent international sentiment appears to prioritize immediate aid and stabilization efforts, particularly with millions of displaced individuals continuing to seek refuge in neighboring countries like Turkey and beyond.