Last week, during a tour of Damascus, Syria’s new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa was approached by a young woman requesting a photo. He asked her to cover her hair before the picture was taken, sparking a significant debate across Arabic social and mainstream media.
This seemingly minor incident reveals the complex balancing act that al-Sharaa and his ruling body, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)—designated as a terrorist organization by multiple international entities—face. On one hand, they must cater to the more diverse and liberal segments of the Syrian population, alongside the international community, whose support is essential for HTS’s legitimacy and survival. For many, this incident raised alarms about the potential for increasingly conservative policies under HTS, particularly regarding women’s rights.
Conversely, hardline Islamists sharply criticized al-Sharaa for even taking a picture with the woman, labeling her as “mutabarijah,” a term denoting a woman perceived to dress immodestly. These hardliners possess substantial influence within militant factions and could pose internal opposition to al-Sharaa’s leadership.
HTS is caught in a struggle to reconcile these conflicting pressures—meeting the expectations of a liberal populace and the hardline demands of its Islamist base, both vigilantly observing HTS’s every action. The group’s adeptness at navigating these tensions is crucial for maintaining control and advancing its political goals.
In his communication, al-Sharaa emphasizes coexistence in Syria’s diverse society. He has granted amnesty to former military conscripts, denounced acts of revenge against ex-government personnel, and utilized neutral language when discussing historical adversaries like the US and Israel. His approach aims to foster stability and cease hostilities that could jeopardize HTS’s international standing.
The authenticity of al-Sharaa’s more progressive outlook remains uncertain. Observers are left questioning whether this represents a true ideological transformation or a calculated tactic to gain approval while potentially plotting a more stringent religious agenda for the future. The government’s efforts towards reconciliation, particularly within a complex sociopolitical context that includes various minority communities, underline the challenges HTS faces from its hardline Islamist factions, which demand a strictly Islamic rule.
HTS has undergone significant transformations over the past decade, previously aligning with both the Islamic State and al-Qaeda before establishing itself as an independent faction in 2016. It has asserted control over Idlib province, presenting itself as a governing authority aimed at demonstrating its capability to manage local affairs effectively.
Despite progress in consolidating authority, HTS continues to confront resistance within its ranks. Hardliners have reacted negatively to al-Sharaa’s amnesty for former government supporters and a recent proposal to disarm independent militant groups. Tensions have risen with criticism aimed at HTS’s relatively subdued responses to foreign military actions and the establishment of a “public morality police” in early 2024, reflecting the ongoing struggle between liberal and hardline factions within Syria’s opposition.
In this volatile climate, al-Sharaa’s leadership will be closely monitored as he navigates these ideological divides, with the political future of Syria hanging in the balance.
