Intense Joy in Syria, Yet Grim Outlook: Whether HTS Jihadists Are as Moderate as They Claim Remains to Be Seen

tel aviv - Syria is celebrating the fall of Bashar al-Assad, but the future remains uncertain with rival rebels, including many jihadists, now in power.

The Middle East is shaken after Bashar al-Assad's regime fell within days due to an unprecedented rebel advance led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) jihadists. The capital Damascus fell Sunday morning without a shot being fired. Ongoing discussions between HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani and Syrian Prime Minister al-Jalali indicate a potentially peaceful transition of power.

Hope and relief currently reign in Syria, as millions who fled the oppressive Assad regime are now filled with optimism. However, the country faces an uncertain future under the HTS jihadists. While promising stability and protection for minorities, the group's true intentions remain unclear.

The international community is closely watching as Syria transitions to a new leadership, hoping for lasting peace in a region that has seen years of conflict and suffering.