Moment of uncertainty

SIR, This refers to the editorial, "After Assad" (9 December). It took just 11 days for Syrian rebels to force President Bashar alAssad to flee the country, ending his family's iron-fisted rule after more than 13 years of civil war.

This is a seismic moment for West Asia and revises the strategic map of the region. The Syrian strongman had for nearly 14 years held off an uprising that many believed had been exhausted. But his downfall followed a series of battlefield convulsions for other allies of Iran.

The Islamist rebels also dealt a major blow to the influence of Russia and Iran in the region, key allies who propped up Assad during critical moments in the civil war. The Syrian rebel coalition said on Sunday it is continuing work to complete the transfer of power in Syria to a transitional governing body with full executive powers.

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which spearheaded the rebel advances across western Syria, was formerly an al Qaeda affiliate known as the Nusra Front until its leader Abu Mohammed alGolani, severed ties with the global jihadist movement in 2016.

HTS is Syria's strongest rebel group and some Syrians remain fearful it will impose draconian Islamist rule or instigate reprisals.