Syria's Future: Governance Challenges and International Influence

Syria's Islamist rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir Al Sham (HTS), are attempting to transition from governing the small province of Idlib to ruling the entire country following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. Their governance in Idlib, characterized by a mix of Islamic and technocratic rule, offers insights into their potential national leadership. While they have distanced themselves from a jihadist past and gained some international acceptance, challenges remain due to their lack of democratic structures and economic difficulties. Experts warn that governing a diverse nation like Syria will be significantly more complex.