Weapons caches, investigations into killings, ongoing raids and kidnappings, coordinated assaults, roadblocks, and sporadic fighting does not instil confidence, but some residents see reason to hope.
In Türkiye for talks and a conference, Syria's new president knows that there is much to do and many to satisfy if he is to rebuild his country. Amidst the smiles, those with agendas jostle.
Alongside the Syrians who ousted Assad in December were Chechens, Uyghurs, Arabs, Europeans, Uzbeks, Tajiks, Turks, and Albanians, to name but a few. What next for them?
If the interim government fails to deliver on promises of stability and prosperity, divisions will deepen, tensions will rise, and Syria could once again descend into violent unrest
Some predict partition, others federalism or fragmentation. Amidst the competing interests of Arab states, Russia, the US, Israel, Iran, Türkiye, and Europe, Syria treads its own path
Al Majalla spent several days talking to civilians, fighters, and the former interior minister in the province where Syria's new leaders honed their modes of governance
The legitimacy of Sharaa's government will depend on whether it upholds the rule of law or reverts to the same repressive tactics as the Assad regime that he toppled
Images of rocket trails, explosions, and destruction were broadcast worldwide, but a quieter war in cyberspace was also being waged, and it was no less important
His supporters say his mayoral primary victory could be an inflexion point in American politics that shows the electoral viability of left-wing policies and support for Palestinian rights