Former jihadist promises new path for Syria as 50-year dynasty ends
Syria enters uncharted territory as Assad family rule comes to unexpected end after half-century. Ex-militant leader pushes for democratic changes while population faces mix of hope and worry
Syria faces its biggest change since the 70s - the Assad familys iron grip on power is done. The nations mood swings between celebration and anxiety (as people try to imagine life without the dynasty that ruled them for 50 years)
The new-found freedom brings both possibilities and questions: Syrian people dont know what comes next in their nations story. Its a time of deep uncertainty - the kind that comes when a long-standing system breaks down
The revolution that pushed Bashar Assad from his position came from islamic-militant roots; however the movements chief shows a different path now. Heʼs made clear breaks with his al-Qaida past and pushes for something new: a Syria where different groups can live side-by-side
The insurgent leader talks about building real civil institutions - not just switching one strong-man for another. His vision includes:
- Equal rights for all religious groups
- End of single-party control
- New democratic setup
- Independent courts
The ex-militant chief works hard to show hes changed: speaking often about moving away from extreme views to more open-minded thinking. He talks about making Syria a place where rules - not people or beliefs - run things
