Who could lead Syria after Assad: Expert's assessment
Photo: Bashar al-Assad (Getty Images)
In Syria, a new dictator does not necessarily have to rule after Bashar al-Assad. Collective governance is also a possibility, Israeli military observer David Sharp states this in a comment to the RBC-Ukraine YouTube channel.
"(In Syria - ed.) it will not necessarily be a dictator. Collective governance and even elements of democracy are quite possible. Such elements can exist under Islamist regimes," Sharp believes.
He recalled that the Assad family's rule was based on the Alawite religious minority (a branch of one of the Islamic denominations), which many do not even consider Muslim. However, now it will be the Sunnis (followers of the most popular branch of Islam) who will rule in Syria.
Sharp also noted that the new authorities in Syria have an Islamist component.
"We are dealing with people who are in the spotlight, at the front, some of whom were part of Al-Qaeda. Even if they are less radical... it is difficult to assume that these are people who are treated with love and respect around the world, even in our region," the expert added.
He emphasized that it is still too early to talk about stability in Syria or to claim that the new regime will be civilized and democratic.
"We'll see how pragmatism holds up, how minorities behave, how various groups and numerous external players act. Everything is very complicated and unpredictable," Sharp clarified.
Fall of the regime in Syria
Recently, Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad decided to relinquish power, as he, with the support of Russia and Iran, failed to counter numerous rebel forces.
Notably, Syria's capital, Damascus, has been taken under the control of the organization Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham. It is expected that its leader, Abu Mohammad al-Julani, could become the new leader of Syria.
More details about developments in the country can be found in the RBC-Ukraine report.
