What's happened
Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad, Syrian rebel leader Ahmad al-Sharaa has vowed to pursue justice for war crimes committed during the regime's rule. Thousands of Syrians are fleeing the country, while the new administration faces immense challenges in rebuilding and addressing the legacy of the Assad regime's brutality.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, Ahmad al-Sharaa stated, "We will pursue them in Syria, and we ask countries to hand over those who fled so we can achieve justice." This reflects the new administration's commitment to accountability. However, the South China Morning Post highlights the immense challenges faced by the interim government, noting that they are struggling with financial resources and the need to provide basic services. The Independent reports that many high-ranking officials have fled, complicating efforts to hold them accountable. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for both justice and further violence as the new leadership navigates the aftermath of the Assad regime's collapse.
How we got here
Bashar al-Assad's regime, which ruled Syria for over five decades, collapsed after a surprise offensive by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group. This led to a power vacuum and a desperate search for justice regarding the regime's extensive human rights abuses.
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