United News of Bangladesh

In a crowded shelter on the outskirts of Beirut, Isatta Bah cradles her baby, Blessing, as she waits for an exit visa to return to Sierra Leone. The 24-year-old endured what she described as exploitative work conditions, sexual violence, and the ravages of Lebanon’s recent war. “My time in Lebanon has been very hard. I just want to go home,” Bah said. Bah is one of hundreds of migrant workers stranded in Lebanon, seeking repatriation after a ceasefire ended the 14-month conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. Attracted by promises of stable jobs and decent pay, many migrants enter Lebanon under the controversial Kafala sponsorship system. However, the system, often criticized by human rights groups, leaves workers vulnerable to exploitation, including withheld wages and confiscated passports. Bah’s ordeal began in 2022 when she arrived in Lebanon, expecting to work in a supermarket for $200 per month. Instead, she was sent to care for an elderly woman. Within weeks, her 3-year-old son back in Sierra Leone passed away, and she wasn’t allowed time to grieve. Bah fled her employer’s home but left behind her passport and documents. Her situation worsened when she and five housemates were abducted and raped after being misled by a taxi driver. The trauma stayed with her, and two months later, she discovered she was pregnant. Read: 105 stranded Bangladeshis return from war-torn Lebanon The war added to her hardships. When Israeli strikes targeted Beirut’s southern suburbs in September, Bah fled on foot with her baby and friends. Since October 2023, an estimated 37 migrant workers have died and 150 have been injured, according to the U.N.’s International Organization for Migration (IOM). Displaced and vulnerable, many migrants found limited support. Most government shelters refused to house non-Lebanese, said activist Dea Hajj Shaheen. She and other volunteers transformed an abandoned car dealership into a shelter for over 200 Sierra Leonean women, including Bah. Despite its modest conditions, the shelter provided safety and community. Women cooked together, danced to music, and even fashioned a Christmas tree from sticks. However, challenges persist as many lack the necessary documents to leave Lebanon. “We had to arrange exit permits, immigration clearances, and travel documents for children,” said Shaheen, who facilitated the repatriation of 120 women and children with IOM’s help last month. IOM reports over 10,000 requests for repatriation, a fraction of the 175,000 migrant workers in Lebanon. As of late November, the organization had assisted over 400 people in returning home, including charter flights for migrants from Bangladesh and Sierra Leone. On Nov. 19, joy filled Beirut’s airport as Sierra Leonean women celebrated their long-awaited departure. “Life in Lebanon was tough, but I’m thrilled to go home,” said Amanata Thullah, who spent four years in the country. Read more: Despite ceasefire Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon continue While many left, Bah remains at the shelter, awaiting her turn. After initial delays due to missing documents for her baby, a lawyer waived the requirements, clearing her path for repatriation. “I dream of continuing my education and studying computer science,” Bah said, smiling at her baby. “Blessing gives me hope and joy. Watching her grow reminds me that there’s still something beautiful to hold on to.”  

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have claimed at least 28 lives, including seven children and one woman, according to Palestinian health authorities. The attacks occurred hours after the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. One of the strikes destroyed a residential building in the densely populated Nuseirat refugee camp, as reported by the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, where victims were brought. Another set of airstrikes killed 15 men involved in aid coordination efforts in collaboration with the Hamas-controlled Interior Ministry. The U.N. resolution, which calls for an end to hostilities and expresses support for the U.N. agency assisting Palestinian refugees, was backed by an overwhelming majority. While non-binding, such resolutions reflect global sentiment. The conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, following a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, resulting in 1,200 deaths, predominantly civilians, and approximately 250 abductions. Israeli officials estimate over 100 hostages remain in Gaza, with many presumed dead. Read: Israeli strike kills 19 people in northern Gaza Gaza's Health Ministry reports that the ongoing Israeli offensive has killed more than 44,800 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, though it does not distinguish between combatants and civilians. Israeli authorities claim to have killed 17,000 Hamas militants but have not substantiated these figures. Developments in West Bank and Syria In the West Bank, an attacker responsible for fatally shooting a 12-year-old Israeli boy near the Beitar Illit settlement has surrendered to Israeli authorities. The shooting, which also injured three others, occurred near Jerusalem, close to major Israeli settlements. Meanwhile, Indonesia has successfully evacuated 37 citizens from Syria amid the ongoing fallout from the Assad regime’s collapse. Indonesian officials report that 98% of daily activities in Syria have returned to normal, with most Indonesians opting to stay in the country. Read more: Humanitarian Aid Blocked in North Gaza for Over Two Months, UN Reports Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza The war has plunged Gaza into a dire humanitarian crisis, with experts warning of potential famine. Israel claims it permits sufficient aid entry, but U.N. agencies blame Israeli restrictions and the lack of law enforcement for operational challenges. Gaza’s infrastructure remains heavily damaged, complicating relief efforts.

Suheil Hamwi, a Lebanese man who spent 32 years imprisoned in Syria, has finally returned to his home in Lebanon following a major offensive by insurgents that ousted the government of Bashar Assad, reports AP. Hamwi, who worked as a merchant in Chekka, northern Lebanon, was abducted in 1992 on Saint Barbara’s Day, a holiday akin to Halloween. He was taken by force when a group of men dragged him into their car as he fetched whiskey for a customer. His family did not hear from him for years. US keen to support Syrian leaders on conditions He was among hundreds of Lebanese citizens detained during Syria’s occupation of Lebanon from 1976 to 2005. On Sunday, in the wake of Syria’s opposition forces advancing, Hamwi and other prisoners discovered their guards had fled. Seizing the moment, they walked free. “I’m still scared this might not be real,” Hamwi told The Associated Press from his home, the same place he left more than three decades ago. Yet, he added, “I found my freedom.” Decades of Uncertainty For years after his disappearance, Hamwi’s family had no idea where he was. Sixteen years later, his wife learned he was detained in Syria, but the reasons for his arrest remained unclear. It wasn’t until 20 years after his abduction that Hamwi was informed of the charges against him: he was accused of being a member of the Lebanese Forces, a Christian political party and militia opposed to Syria’s military presence in Lebanon during the 15-year Lebanese civil war. Hamwi endured years of cryptic interrogations and isolation. Held in multiple facilities, including the notorious Saydnaya prison, he faced torture during his early captivity but said it eventually ceased. In 2008, after 16 years, his wife was allowed to visit him, a meeting that became an annual occurrence. The Path to Freedom Last week, prisoners heard rumours of rebel advances but didn’t expect the impact to reach them. Early Sunday, chaos erupted as prisoners discovered the guards had abandoned their posts. Rebels broke open gates, and prisoners began escaping. Hamwi, along with others, walked into uncertainty, guided by strangers back to Lebanon. He crossed into his homeland via the Arida border crossing, where his family awaited him. A Joyful Homecoming Back in Chekka, Hamwi was greeted by his two grandchildren, meeting them for the first time. Photos of family milestones, including his son George’s graduation and wedding, filled the home he hadn’t seen in over 30 years. Amidst laughter and shared memories, neighbours and friends gathered to celebrate. Josephine, his wife, served sweets while friends asked, “Do you remember me?” Hamwi recognised many faces, rekindling old connections. He has undergone medical tests to assess the physical toll of his decades-long captivity and is adjusting to life outside prison. Still, he eagerly anticipates reuniting with his son George, now an engineer in the Gulf. In their first phone call, George expressed the words Hamwi had longed to hear: “I miss you. I love you. I’m waiting to see you.”

The Biden administration announced its readiness to support a new Syrian government that upholds minority rights, protects women, renounces terrorism, and dismantles chemical weapon stockpiles. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the importance of a smooth transition post-Assad and urged an inclusive and transparent process for determining Syria’s future, with minimal external interference. This commitment comes after the sudden collapse of Bashar Assad's regime, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group classified as a terrorist organization by the U.S. since 2012. While the State Department remains open to revisiting HTS's designation, discussions with the group aren't ruled out. Florida Rep. Mike Waltz, named as President-elect Donald Trump's national security adviser, noted cautious optimism about HTS's initial actions but highlighted ongoing scrutiny of its conduct. Meanwhile, Israel has launched strikes targeting Syrian military and chemical facilities and taken control of a buffer zone in the Golan Heights, asserting national security imperatives. The U.S. expressed support for Israel's self-defense rights while reaffirming its stance on the 1974 Golan Heights disengagement agreement. Read: Israel's Syrian buffer zone advance reveals both risks and opportunities In parallel, Biden's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, is engaging in discussions with Israeli officials to address the evolving Syrian situation and ongoing efforts to negotiate a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza. The U.S. hopes these developments will further isolate groups like Hamas and encourage negotiated solutions. Source: With inputs from agencies

Tens of thousands of Syrians flocked to Saydnaya Prison, a site infamous for its brutal history under former President Bashar Assad, after Damascus fell into the hands of insurgents. The notorious prison, often referred to as “the slaughterhouse,” became the focal point for desperate families seeking answers about loved ones who vanished during Assad’s regime.  For two days, families searched the sprawling facility, hoping to find detainees who had disappeared over the years. Heavy iron doors were opened, floors were hammered, and walls were drilled, but the cells were empty.  Israel's Syrian buffer zone advance reveals both risks and opportunities Insurgents had freed dozens of prisoners when they captured Saydnaya on Sunday, but since then, no additional inmates have been located.  “Where is everyone? Where are our children?” cried Ghada Assad, whose brother was detained in 2011 during the early days of protests against Assad’s rule. For 13 years, she had searched for him, holding on to hope. The swift rebel offensive that led to the fall of Damascus had revived her dreams of his freedom, but they were crushed when she found no trace of him in the prison.  Saydnaya, situated outside the capital, is a grim symbol of the Assad regime’s oppressive rule. During the years of conflict, even minor dissent could land someone in its cells, where few ever emerged. Amnesty International estimated in 2017 that 10,000 to 20,000 people were held there, with many subjected to systematic torture and execution. Testimonies from former prisoners and officials described mass killings, constant abuse and appalling conditions.  Khairiya Ismail, 54, knows the pain firsthand. Two of her sons were detained early in the uprising, and she herself was imprisoned for eight months, accused of helping one evade military service. “Every home in Syria has lost someone,” she lamented, reflecting on the scale of suffering tied to Assad’s prison network.  Since 2011, around 150,000 people have been detained or disappeared in Syria, many presumed to have passed through Saydnaya. Families clung to any sliver of hope that their loved ones might still be alive, combing through documents and scouring the prison for secret chambers.  Syrians line up at Turkish border crossing, awaiting return home White Helmet teams, known for their search and rescue efforts in rebel-held areas, joined the search. Using prison floor plans and even bringing in the facility’s former electrician, they explored every vent, shaft, and potential hiding place. Canine teams were also deployed, but after exhaustive efforts, no hidden chambers or additional detainees were found.  Ghayath Abu al-Dahab, a White Helmets spokesman, said the civil defense teams had records indicating that 3,500 people were held in Saydnaya as recently as three months ago. However, the number may have dwindled as the regime moved prisoners to other locations.  “The regime turned all of Syria into a giant prison,” Abu al-Dahab said, adding that detainees were often held in various government and military facilities across the country.  Despite the absence of new discoveries, the search persisted. Men with sledgehammers dismantled columns, believing they concealed hidden rooms, while others excavated basements and sewage openings. Each time hopes rose, they were dashed by the grim reality: Saydnaya appeared largely abandoned.  Firas al-Halabi, one of the few prisoners freed when insurgents stormed the prison, recounted the horrors he endured. A former army conscript, he spent four years in a cramped cell, surviving on scraps of food and enduring relentless torture. “Life was one big violation,” he said, describing beatings for trivial infractions and the terror of executions.  Assad flees to Moscow after fall of Damascus: Russian state media Al-Halabi recalled guards calling out hundreds of names for executions in his first year. For him, freedom felt surreal. “We never thought we’d see this moment,” he said, still in disbelief.  Meanwhile, families like Noha Qweidar’s continued searching, driven by faint hope. Her husband was reportedly executed in 2015, but rumors and uncertainty left her clinging to the possibility he might still be alive.  By late Monday, the White Helmets concluded their search, announcing they found no additional hidden areas in the prison. Their statement expressed solidarity with the families of the missing, acknowledging the profound heartbreak of not knowing their loved ones’ fates.  For many Syrians, Saydnaya remains a haunting reminder of a brutal regime and the enduring agony of unanswered questions.   Source: With inputs from wires

The dramatic collapse of Syrian President Bashar Assad’s regime presents both potential risks and possibilities for Israel, its neighbour. Israel, having engaged in multiple conflicts recently, is concerned about the instability in Syria spilling into its territory, reports AP At the same time, it sees a chance to disrupt Iran’s weapon-smuggling routes through Syria to Hezbollah, the militant group in Lebanon. Syrians line up at Turkish border crossing, awaiting return home Over the weekend, Israel's military began taking control of the Syrian buffer zone, established in 1974 after a ceasefire agreement. Israel claims this move is temporary and aimed at securing its border. However, the action has drawn criticism, with accusations of violating the ceasefire and leveraging Syria's turmoil for territorial gain. The buffer zone lies adjacent to the Golan Heights, which Israel captured in 1967, later annexing it—a move unrecognised by most of the global community. The Buffer Zone and Troop Deployment Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israeli forces are occupying a roughly 400-square-kilometre demilitarised area established by the U.N. after the 1973 Mideast war. The U.N. Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) of 1,100 troops has patrolled this zone since its inception. On a visit to the Golan Heights on Sunday, Netanyahu described Israel’s actions as a “temporary defensive position” necessitated by the withdrawal of Syrian forces. U.N. officials, however, warned Israel that this incursion violates the 1974 disengagement agreement. Despite these concerns, the buffer zone remains calm under U.N. supervision, though the Security Council is scheduled to discuss the matter following Russia’s call for consultations. Rebels now controlling parts of Syria are led by a former al-Qaida militant who has since distanced himself from the extremist group, advocating for a representative government. Netanyahu emphasised that the fall of Assad’s regime reflects the “heavy blows” dealt by Israel to Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. He also mentioned Israel’s intent to secure the summit of Mount Hermon, a peak within the buffer zone at 2,814 metres. Duration and Intent of Deployment Israeli troops entered the buffer zone on Saturday, coinciding with an attack on U.N. forces near the Israeli border. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar clarified that Israel’s actions are preventive, aiming to avoid scenarios akin to Hamas' 2023 surprise attack. Critics, including Egypt and Saudi Arabia, condemned Israel’s moves, accusing it of exploiting the Syrian conflict to gain territorial advantage. UNDOF, meanwhile, recovered some looted items following the attack on its forces. Who is Abu Mohammed al-Julani, leader of HTS in Syria? Temporary Measure or Precursor to Invasion? Israel’s leadership insists that its presence in the buffer zone is temporary, intended to stabilise the border and support U.N. forces. Military officials highlighted that Israel has no plans to alter borders or invade further into Syria. This operation is viewed as a tactical response to current instability. Experts agree, noting Israel’s primary aim is to secure its borders amid Syria’s volatile situation. Strategic Interests Israel seeks to prevent Syrian unrest from spreading across its border. Defense Minister Israel Katz outlined plans to establish a security zone and neutralise threats like heavy artillery and weapon smuggling by Iran. Israel has also engaged Syria’s Druze population and maintains communication with Syrian rebel groups to limit Iranian influence in the region. Past humanitarian efforts, such as “Operation Good Neighbor,” might serve as a foundation for these renewed interactions. Syria’s opposition declares Damascus free from Assad regime Israel’s approach reflects a balancing act between addressing immediate security concerns and leveraging the situation to counter regional adversaries.

Hundreds of Syrian refugees gathered at two border crossings in southern Turkey on Monday, eagerly anticipating their return home following the fall of President Bashar Assad’s government.Many arrived at the Cilvegozu and Oncupinar border gates at daybreak, draped in blankets and coats. Some camped by border barriers, warming themselves with makeshift fires or resting on the cold ground. The crossings correspond to the Bab al-Hawa and Bab al-Salameh gates on the Syrian side of the border. Among those waiting at Cilvegozu was 28-year-old Muhammed Zin, who was excited at the prospect of returning home. He fled Damascus in 2016 and has been living and working in Istanbul. “Assad was shooting us, killing us,” he told The Associated Press. “I will return to Syria now. Thank God, the war is over.” At the Oncupinar border gate, Mustafa Sultan, 29, said he was crossing into Syria to find his older brother who was imprisoned in Damascus under Assad’s rule. “I haven’t seen him for 13 years. The prisons have been emptied so I am going to go see whether he’s alive,” he said. Turkish officials have not said how many Syrians have returned since Assad’s downfall. Authorities set up a checkpoint some 5 kilometers (3 miles) from Cilvegozu, only allowing Syrians with proper documents to the border gate, HaberTurk television reported. Assad’s fall has sparked widespread joy among Turkey’s 3 million Syrian refugees, with many taking to the streets of Istanbul and other cities to celebrate. On Sunday, Syrians also removed the Syrian government’s flag from the Syrian Consulate in Istanbul, replacing it with the opposition’s flag. Turkey welcomed Syrian refugees with open arms in the early years of the Syrian civil war that broke out in 2011 — becoming host to the largest number of refugees in the world. Ankara believed that the conflict would end quickly and refugee influx would be temporary. But as Turkey faced economic challenges, public opinion toward the refugees soured, forcing President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government to seek ways to ensure their safe and voluntary repatriation. Turkish officials now hope that a significant number of Syrians will return voluntarily. “We will continue our efforts to ensure the safe and voluntary return of Syrians and to rebuild the country,” Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Monday. At Cilvegozu, some refugees wheeled their suitcases while others carried belongings in sacks. Zakariya Mori al-Shami, 31, who arrived in Turkey in 2019, was waiting to cross the border with his wife and two children to return to Aleppo. He hopes to rebuild his home, which was destroyed during the conflict. “We came here because there was a war now the war is over and we’re going back,” he said. Anxious to rejoin his family in Damascus, Mohammed al Muhbuhar, 27, said he headed to the border “immediately” after Assad left. “We are very happy that Assad is gone. There is no more torture. God willing, Syria will be better,” he said. Hundreds of displaced Syrians were also returning Monday from Lebanon, with dozens of cars lining up to enter. Lebanese residents on Sunday handed out congratulatory sweets to Syrians waiting to go back to their country. Sami Abdel-Latif, a construction worker and refugee from Hama who was heading to Syria to join his wife and four children, said while the future in Syria is still uncertain, “anything is better than Bashar.” He said he expected some chaos initially but that eventually the situation would settle down. “Look at Aleppo now,” Abdel-Latif said, referring to the first major city taken over by opposition forces more than a week ago, where life has continued more or less as normal. He said he is also hoping that there will now be plentiful work in Syria to rebuild. Malak Matar, who was preparing to return to Damascus, said: “This is a feeling we’ve been waiting 14 years for." “You feel yourself psychologically free — you can express yourself,” he said. “The country is free and the barriers have been broken down.” Now, he said, “Syrians have to create a state that is well-organized and takes care of their country. It’s a new phase.”  

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to testify on Tuesday in his corruption trial, marking a critical moment in a prolonged legal battle that has overshadowed his leadership. The trial, which began in 2020, accuses Netanyahu of fraud, breach of trust, and bribery across three cases. He denies all allegations, claiming the investigations were biased. Netanyahu’s testimony coincides with his management of the ongoing Gaza war, fragile ceasefires with Hezbollah, and regional threats. This will be the first time an Israeli prime minister takes the stand as a criminal defendant. Due to security concerns, the proceedings have been relocated to an underground courtroom in Tel Aviv. Trump starts pushing his agenda, negotiating with world leaders The allegations involve claims that Netanyahu traded regulatory benefits for favorable media coverage and received extravagant gifts, including champagne and cigars, from influential figures like Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan. The trial has featured testimonies from around 140 witnesses, including Netanyahu's close associates and a former prime minister. Recently, a documentary, The Bibi Files, revealed footage of Netanyahu’s police interrogations, showing a mix of defiance and unease. The prosecution concluded its case earlier this year, and Netanyahu will now present his defense, testifying three days a week for several weeks. The defense plans to argue that Netanyahu is the victim of flawed investigations. Critics claim that the judicial overhaul he proposed last year and his handling of the Gaza conflict are attempts to deflect from his legal challenges. A final verdict is not expected until 2026, with potential appeals prolonging the process.

Syrian President Bashar Assad has fled to Moscow after losing control of Damascus to rebel forces in a swift and dramatic advance that ended his family’s half-century-long rule. Russian state media reported that Assad was granted asylum by Moscow, his longtime ally, following negotiations with insurgent groups. The rebel victory sparked widespread celebrations in Damascus, with residents taking to the streets to mark what they called a new chapter for Syria. Gunfire echoed in celebration as people waved revolutionary flags, reminiscent of the Arab Spring protests that initially called for reforms before spiraling into Syria’s nearly 14-year-long civil war. U.S. President Joe Biden hailed Assad's downfall as a “fundamental act of justice,” crediting international efforts to weaken Assad’s allies, including Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah. However, Biden acknowledged the risks and uncertainties ahead, emphasizing the need to evaluate the actions of the victorious rebel factions. Rebels Assert Control Syrian state media confirmed that Assad had relinquished power and fled, with insurgents taking control of major institutions in Damascus. Rebel leaders, including Abu Mohammed al-Golani of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), vowed to establish a pluralistic and inclusive state. Al-Golani, formerly associated with al-Qaida, described Assad’s departure as a victory for the Islamic nation and renounced sectarian governance in favor of national unity. Amid the celebrations, Damascus residents prayed in mosques and roamed the streets, chanting anti-Assad slogans. Meanwhile, rebel forces sought to reassure minority groups, including Druze, Alawites, and Christians, promising equal treatment for all Syrians. Read: Who is Abu Mohammed al-Julani, leader of HTS in Syria? “We won’t repeat Assad’s mistakes,” said rebel commander Anas Salkhadi in a televised statement, appealing for calm and unity among the nation’s diverse communities. Challenges Ahead The transition poses significant challenges as Syria remains divided among rival factions. Turkish-backed opposition groups continue to clash with U.S.-allied Kurdish forces in the north, while remnants of the Islamic State remain active in remote areas. The fall of Assad marks a turning point in the region, further weakening Iran and Hezbollah, both of which played key roles in supporting his regime. Iran’s ambassador to Syria acknowledged the government’s inability to resist the rebels and called for a peaceful resolution to prevent further bloodshed. International actors, including the United Nations and regional powers, are calling for an orderly political transition to prevent the country’s collapse. Emergency meetings in Geneva and Qatar have underscored the urgency of coordinating efforts among global stakeholders. Regional Repercussions Assad’s ouster has also reignited tensions along Syria’s borders. Israel announced the capture of a buffer zone in the Golan Heights, citing security concerns following the Syrian army's retreat. The Arab League condemned Israel’s actions, accusing it of exploiting Syria’s crisis to expand its territorial claims. Read more: Syria’s opposition declares Damascus free from Assad regime As Syrians grapple with the aftermath of Assad’s fall, the road ahead remains fraught with uncertainty. For many, the priority is rebuilding their war-torn nation while ensuring peace and stability in a deeply fractured society. Source: With inputs from agencies

In a seismic shift in the Syrian civil war, opposition forces led by Abu Mohammed al-Julani and his group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) captured Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, after the abrupt collapse of government forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad. This swift victory has placed al-Julani at the forefront of the Syrian conflict, with his leadership and HTS’s actions drawing both attention and controversy. Al-Julani, born Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 1982, emerged from a complex history of jihadist affiliations. After years in al-Qaeda’s network and leading the al-Nusra Front in Syria, he distanced himself from transnational jihadism to focus on establishing a state governed by HTS’s interpretation of Islamic law within Syria. The Rise of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham HTS, which al-Julani formed in 2017 by merging several opposition groups, has become Syria’s most dominant armed faction. It administers the Idlib governorate through the Syrian Salvation Government, providing civil services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Syria’s opposition declares Damascus free from Assad regime However, its governance is marked by allegations of heavy-handedness. Activists and local monitors report forced disappearances and violent crackdowns on dissent, raising concerns over its treatment of communities under its rule. From Transnational to National Ambitions Al-Julani’s journey began in Iraq in 2003, where he joined al-Qaeda in Iraq, later led by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Following his imprisonment by US forces and release in 2011, al-Julani returned to Syria to establish al-Nusra Front as al-Qaeda’s Syrian affiliate. Over time, he parted ways with al-Qaeda, focusing on a national agenda and rebranding his group as Jabhat Fateh al-Sham before it evolved into HTS. Analysts believe this shift was strategic, aimed at garnering local support and positioning HTS as a legitimate alternative to Assad’s government. Al-Julani’s leadership has sought to balance his group’s Islamist principles with the political realities of governing Syria’s opposition-held areas. The Aleppo Victory and Its Implications The capture of Aleppo signifies a critical juncture in the Syrian conflict. HTS has pledged to protect religious and ethnic minorities, an apparent attempt to soften its image. However, scepticism remains as the group, labelled a terrorist organisation by the UN, Turkiye, the US, and the EU, seeks to consolidate its control and expand its influence in Syria. Syrian President Assad flees country amid rebel advance: reports Hassan Hassan, an expert on Levantine armed groups, notes that al-Julani’s strategy appears to involve presenting HTS as a credible governing body and a potential partner in counterterrorism efforts, despite its controversial past and designation. The Road Ahead As HTS prepares to push further south, the international community watches closely. Al-Julani’s efforts to rebrand his group may face obstacles from its history and the ongoing allegations of human rights abuses. Yet, with Aleppo under opposition control for the first time in years, the Syrian war’s dynamics have shifted, and al-Julani’s leadership will undoubtedly shape its next chapter. Source: With inputs from Al Jazeera