G7 leaders to meet amid changes in Syria after Assad's overthrow

Damascus: G7 leaders are set to meet virtually on Friday to discuss the significant changes unfolding in Syria, where the interim government has promised to establish the "rule of law" after decades of oppression under former president Bashar al-Assad. Assad fled the country following a swift offensive led by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group and its allies, bringing an abrupt end to over five decades of Assad family rule.  

Syrians both within the country and abroad celebrated the collapse of Assad's regime, which had been marked by years of human rights abuses and a brutal civil war. The United Nations humanitarian agency (OCHA) reported that over 1.1 million people, mostly women and children, have been displaced since the rebels launched their offensive on November 27.  

New government vows to uphold law and justice

The new government spokesperson, Obaida Arnaout, announced that Syria’s constitution and parliament would be suspended during a three-month transitional period. A judicial and human rights committee will review the constitution and propose amendments.  

"We will institute the rule of law," Arnaout declared. "All those who committed crimes against the Syrian people will be judged in accordance with the law." He also assured the public that religious and cultural diversity would be respected.  

International response and concerns over future stability 

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking in Turkey, urged all parties in Syria to take steps to protect civilians, particularly minority groups. Blinken emphasized the importance of avoiding further conflict, especially amid rising tensions with Israeli and Turkish military activities in Syria.  

Washington has expressed concerns over Syria potentially becoming a base for terrorism. Blinken added that the US is determined to prevent any threats to its neighboring countries, especially given its military presence in Syria as part of the coalition against the Islamic State.  

Meanwhile, the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, voiced concern over Israeli strikes near Damascus, as reported by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Israel has been conducting military operations against sites linked to the Syrian regime since Assad’s fall.  

G7 to support inclusive government in Syria 

The G7 leaders, who are scheduled to meet at 1430 GMT on Friday, have expressed support for the transition to an "inclusive and non-sectarian" government in Syria. They have also called for the protection of human rights, including the rights of women and minorities.  

The G7 emphasised the need to hold the Assad regime accountable for its crimes during his rule. Hundreds of Syrians recently mourned the death of activist Mazen al-Hamada, whose body was found in a Damascus hospital. Al-Hamada had previously testified about the torture he endured while imprisoned by Assad’s regime.  

Justice for Assad's victims 

The new leadership in Syria, led by HTS, has pledged justice for the victims of Assad’s rule. HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, now known as Ahmed al-Sharaa, called on countries to hand over any criminals who had fled the country so they could face justice.  

The UN has reportedly compiled a list of 4,000 individuals involved in serious crimes during the war, and the US Justice Department recently charged Samir Ousman Alsheikh, the former head of Damascus Central Prison, for torturing opponents of Assad’s regime.  

Syria faces continued challenges 

While the overthrow of Assad’s regime has brought hope to many, Syria’s future remains uncertain. HTS, which is rooted in Syria's Al-Qaeda branch, is considered a terrorist group by many Western nations. However, HTS has been attempting to moderate its stance.  

In the Golan Heights, many Druze Arab residents, who live in the Israeli-occupied area, are hoping for a return to Syrian control.  

AFP