tr.euronews.com
HTS Seizes Syria, Transitional President to Visit Turkey
Following a 12-day offensive, the Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) seized control of Syria on December 8th, 2024, ousting President Bashar al-Assad, who fled to Moscow. HTS leader Ahmet Hüseyin eş-Şara, declared transitional president, will visit Turkey on February 4th, 2025, to discuss Syria's future with President Erdoğan.
- What factors contributed to the rapid success of the HTS offensive against the Assad regime?
- The swift victory of HTS, aided by the Syrian National Army (SMO), ended the Assad family's 54-year rule and the Ba'ath Party's 61-year reign. This dramatic shift follows a decisive military campaign that culminated in the capture of Damascus on December 8th, 2024.
- What are the immediate implications of the HTS takeover of Syria and the planned visit of the transitional president to Turkey?
- Following a 12-day offensive by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied groups, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled to Moscow on December 8th, 2024. HTS leader Ahmet Hüseyin eş-Şara, now declared transitional president, will visit Ankara on February 4th, 2025, at the invitation of President Erdoğan to discuss Syria's future.
- What are the potential long-term consequences of the Assad regime's collapse and the establishment of an HTS-led transitional government in Syria?
- The visit by the HTS leader signals a potential shift in international recognition of the new Syrian government. The duration of eş-Şara's transitional presidency remains uncertain, with estimates ranging from a few months to several years, contingent upon the drafting of a new constitution and subsequent elections.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing strongly favors the HTS. The headline (if any) would likely emphasize the HTS victory and the fall of Assad. The article's structure prioritizes the HTS's military actions and the quick succession of events leading to Assad's ouster. This might leave the reader with a sense that the HTS's actions were inevitable and largely unopposed, neglecting potential external influences or resistance.
Language Bias
The language used is largely descriptive but occasionally leans towards being celebratory of the HTS's victory. Phrases like "hızla ilerleyen muhalifler" (rapidly advancing rebels) could be perceived as positive reinforcement of the HTS's military actions. A more neutral phrasing might be "muhaliflerin ilerlemesi" (the rebels' advance).
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the events leading to the fall of Assad's regime and the rise of HTS, but omits details about the international reaction and potential consequences of this significant geopolitical shift. It also lacks information on the internal political dynamics within the HTS and the potential challenges the new transitional government might face.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic view of the conflict, framing it as a clear victory for the HTS and a complete defeat for Assad. It doesn't fully explore the complexities of the Syrian civil war or the diverse perspectives of different factions involved. The presentation of HTS's actions as solely responsible for the regime change overlooks the potential role of other actors and internal factors within Syria.
Gender Bias
The article primarily focuses on male actors and leaders. There is no mention of the role of women in the conflict, either as fighters, victims, or political actors. This omission perpetuates a gender bias by overlooking the experiences and perspectives of half the Syrian population.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article describes a significant shift in power in Syria, with the reported overthrow of Bashar al-Assad and the establishment of a transitional government. While the long-term implications remain uncertain, the establishment of a new government, even a transitional one, represents a potential step towards greater peace and stability, though the methods used to achieve this are highly questionable and could violate international law. The potential for improved justice and stronger institutions in Syria, however, depends on the actions and policies of the new government.