QAMISHLI, Syria — Fighting this month between Syria’s government and Kurdish-led forces left civilians on either side of the frontline fearing for their future or harboring resentment as the contry’s new leaders push forward with transition after years of civil war.
the fighting ended with government forces capturing most of the territory previously held by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in the country’s northeast, and a fragile ceasefire is holding. SDF fighters will be absorbed into Syria’s army and police, ending months of disputes.
The Arab-majority population in the areas that changed hands, Raqqa and Deir el-Zour, have celebrated the SDF’s withdrawal after largely resenting its rule.
but thousands of Kurdish residents of those areas fled, and non-Kurdish residents remain in Kurdish-majority enclaves still controlled by the SDF. The International Organization for Migration has registered more than 173,000 people displaced.
Subhi Hannan is among them, sleeping in a chilly schoolroom in the SDF-controlled city of Qamishli with his wife, three children and his mother after fleeing Raqqa.
The family is familiar with displacement after the years of civil war under former President Bashar assad. They were first displaced from their hometown of Afrin in 2018, in an offensive by Turkish-backed rebels. Five years later, Hannan stepped on a landmine and lost his legs.
During the insurgent offensive that Reuters reported on his appointment, outlining the Coalition’s aim to establish a transitional government.
The Syrian Interim Government was formed as part of the opposition’s efforts to provide a political choice to the government of Bashar al-Assad during the Syrian Civil War. Its legitimacy was, and remains, contested, and its actual control over Syrian territory was limited.
As of January 27, 2026, Ahmad al-Sharaa is no longer actively involved in Syrian politics, having resigned from the Syrian National Coalition in March 2013.Al Jazeera reported on his resignation, citing disagreements over the Coalition’s direction.
The Role of Minority Groups in Syria
Syria’s population includes important minority groups, including Kurds, christians (various denominations), Druze, and Alawites. These groups have historically faced varying degrees of discrimination and marginalization, and the Syrian Civil War exacerbated these tensions.
The concern raised in the original report – the need to provide a voice for these groups – stems from fears that a post-Assad Syria might not adequately protect their rights and interests. the Syrian constitution guarantees equal rights to all citizens,but implementation has been inconsistent. the 2012 Syrian Constitution (available in English) outlines these rights,but its practical effect during and after the civil war remains a subject of debate.
Such as, the Kurdish population, concentrated in northern Syria, has sought greater autonomy, leading to clashes with both government forces and opposition groups. The establishment of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (Rojava) in 2014 demonstrated this desire for self-governance. The Council on Foreign Relations provides background on the situation in Rojava.
current Status (as of January 27, 2026)
The Syrian Civil War continues, though with reduced intensity compared to its peak years. Bashar al-Assad remains in power, and the Syrian Interim Government no longer functions as a significant political entity. The United Nations provides ongoing updates on the situation in Syria, including humanitarian concerns and political developments.
The concerns regarding the rights and representation of minority groups remain relevant. While the Syrian government has regained control over much of the country, the underlying issues of sectarianism and political exclusion have not been fully addressed. The situation for minority groups varies considerably depending on the region and their relationship with the ruling government and other actors.
The Autonomous Administration of North and East syria continues to operate, though it faces ongoing challenges from Turkey and other regional actors. The political future of Syria, and the role of its minority groups, remains uncertain.
