The Syrian Tragedy: How Foreign Agendas Shaped an Unfinished Revolution?

After December 8, 2024, hopes for peace in Syria surged—then stalled. From HTS’s rise in Damascus to fears among Alawites, Druze, Christians, and Kurds, here’s how internal fractures and foreign agendas keep Syria on edge.

A Turning Point That Sparked Hope

Syria has endured fourteen years of devastating war: hundreds of thousands killed or imprisoned, and millions displaced. On December 8, 2024, a dramatic shift seemed possible. After days of fighting, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) reached Damascus, and Bashar al-Assad fled. For many Syrians, it felt like a dream—the end of oppression and the beginning of a safer, more peaceful future.

Promises of Reform—and a New Face

Early statements from HTS and its leader, Ahmed al-Sharq, sounded conciliatory. The message emphasized social peace, community rights, and democratic governance. Al-Sharq even adopted a new public image—hat, shirt, and tie—positioning himself as a youthful reformer able to deliver on Syria’s hopes.

Rhetoric vs. Reality Inside Syria

Abroad, the tone stayed moderate. At home, Syria saw a different picture. Authorities formed a government, commissions, a temporary constitution, and military posts—but largely from within HTS’s own ranks.
Crucially, there was no sustained dialogue with Syria’s diverse communities—Alawites, Druze, Kurds—nor with key religious minorities such as Christians and Yazidis. Women and youth were also sidelined. Civil and democratic organizations, intellectuals, and opposition figures pressed for inclusion—but were rebuffed.

Communities Under Strain

Reports from the ground describe severe, widespread attacks on Alawite communities along the Syrian coast. Basic human rights were violated; families, including women and children, were killed. Tens of thousands of Alawites fled in fear, uncertain about their survival or future. Under the current authorities, many no longer believe a peaceful, safe, and democratic life is possible.

The Christian community was shaken when Mar Elias Church in Damascus suffered a violent terrorist attack, killing dozens. With no thorough investigation reported, Christians now fear for their existence and future in Syria.

In the Sweida region, the Druze faced harsh security operations, including killings, torture, and violations of core rights and values. Many Druze now openly state they fear for their existence and their future under the current order.

Kurds on Edge: The Next Flashpoint?

As Syria’s second-largest ethnic group, the Kurds are watching closely. Anxiety is rising over whether they will be targeted next. Any confrontation here could become Syria’s most destabilizing challenge, risking collapse before any genuine reconstruction begins.

Old Patterns, New Players: The Foreign Agenda Puzzle

Under Assad, Russia and Iran were the dominant external actors. Today, Syrians argue that HTS is navigating the interests of Turkey, Arab states (notably Qatar and Saudi Arabia), and the United States. These layered agendas complicate internal governance.

The tensions are stark. During clashes between Damascus forces and Druze communities, Israel signaled it would not tolerate attacks on the Druze and was prepared to intervene around Damascus—to protect both Druze populations and its own strategic interests. Meanwhile, Turkey continues to block any Kurdish political status inside Syria, complicating coordination among Kurds, Damascus, and HTS.
When the interests of the U.S., Israel, Turkey, Qatar, and other Arab states collide on Syrian soil, domestic stability suffers.

Can Syria Reclaim Sovereignty?

Can Syria act on its own national will and prioritize its own interests? Many believe the answer can still be yes—but only through a different approach than the current path.

The Way Forward: A Real National Compact

Syria needs a comprehensive National Dialogue that brings all major components to the table—ethnic, religious, regional, political, women, and youth. That process should lead to:

• A new, inclusive constitution rooted in Syria’s realities;

• Recognition of human, social, cultural, and structural rights;

• Shared security guarantees and a peace framework accepted by all sides.

Only a broad social consensus—not rule by a single faction or external playbooks—can cure Syria’s long illness and open a credible path to safety, dignity, and peace.

Key Takeaways (for quick readers)

• December 8, 2024 raised hopes as HTS reached Damascus and Assad fled.

• Inclusive reform promises have not translated into inclusive governance.

• Alawites, Christians, Druze, and Kurds report fear, attacks, or exclusion.

• Foreign agendas (Turkey, Arab states, U.S., Israel, plus earlier Russia/Iran) keep domestic politics unstable.

• Solution: a National Dialogue, a new constitution, and guarantees for all communities.

FAQ

What changed in December 2024?
HTS reached Damascus and Assad fled, triggering widespread hope that the conflict and oppression were ending.

Why did optimism fade?
Authorities centralized power within HTS ranks and did not establish inclusive dialogue with Syria’s diverse communities, undermining promises of social peace and democracy.

Which communities feel most at risk?
Reports highlight fear and displacement among Alawites, a deadly attack against Christians at Mar Elias Church, harsh measures against Druze in Sweida, and growing concern among Kurds about potential escalation.

How do foreign powers factor in?
External interests—Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the U.S., Israel, and earlier Russia/Iran—shape events inside Syria, often aggravating internal divisions.

What is the proposed solution?
A nationwide, inclusive dialogue leading to a new constitution, recognition of rights for all groups, and a shared security framework capable of restoring sovereignty and peace.