This handout image, provided by the Telegram channel of the official Syrian Arab News Agency, shows Syria's new transitional prime minister, Mohammad Al Bashir, presiding over a cabinet meeting in Damascus on December 10, 2024. — AFP

Syria's newly appointed transitional prime minister has urged Syrians who fled the country to return home following the removal of longtime president Bashar Al Assad. Mohammad Al Bashir, who was appointed by rebel groups to lead the transitional government until March, told Italy's Corriere della Sera that one of his primary objectives is to "repatriate the millions of Syrian refugees currently abroad." In an interview published on Wednesday, Al Bashir emphasized that "their skills and experiences will contribute to the country's revival." He appealed to all Syrians abroad, stating, "Syria is now a free nation that has regained its honor and dignity. Return home. We must rebuild, renew, and we need everyone's assistance."

Assad fled Syria as an Islamist-led opposition alliance took control of Damascus over the weekend, marking the end of his family's five-decade-long oppressive rule. The nearly 14-year civil war in Syria claimed 500,000 lives and displaced half of the population, with millions seeking refuge abroad. With Assad's departure, the country faces significant uncertainty. Concerns about sectarian violence have emerged, though the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir Al Sham (HTS), which spearheaded the rebel offensive, has reassured religious minorities of their safety in the new Syria. Diverse communities, including Christians, Kurds, and Alawites, are now observing to see what kind of government Al Bashir will establish.

Syria's Christian community largely supported the Assad regime since the civil war began in 2011, with the president, an Alawite himself, positioning himself as a protector of minorities. Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church, called for "mutual respect" among religions in Syria on Wednesday. He prayed for the Syrian people to live in peace and security in their homeland and for different religions to coexist in friendship and mutual respect, given the nation's long history of war.

Al Bashir told the Corriere that the "misconduct of certain Islamist groups has led many, particularly in the West, to equate Muslims with terrorism and Islam with extremism." He clarified that "Islam, meaning 'religion of justice,' has been misrepresented. As an Islamic nation, we will ensure the rights of all people and sects in Syria." He also stated that "we have no issues with any state, party, or sect that distanced itself from the bloodthirsty Assad regime."

Assad's downfall came in a swift, surprise offensive as his protector, Russia, is entangled in its invasion of Ukraine, and Israel's military significantly weakened Assad's other key allies, Iran and the Lebanese militia Hezbollah.

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