Those who came to power in Syria under Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) have failed to inspire any confidence in either domestic or international public opinion. Their track record was already deeply troubling. They tried to present themselves as changed by trimming their beards and putting on suits. But in practice, their actions have never matched their words. They deliberately excluded all organized forces in Syria from the entire political process. In their so-called transitional constitution, they included an excessively empowered presidential status. In its current form, it is clear that they are on the path to establishing a regime even worse than the Baath regime. While the Baathists built an oppressive system fueled by Arab nationalism, HTS is adding religious fanaticism to this formula, constructing a regime that is even more despotic and authoritarian.

At a time when it was seeking legitimacy, HTS carried out a brutal massacre of the Alawite population. In its current state, it does not have full control over Syria and lacks strong internal support. Yet one must ask: if a mindset capable of such a massacre gains more power, what else might it do? HTS has a background rooted in primitive methods—beheading people and spreading terror throughout society to grow stronger and expand its influence. If it ever gains full control over Syria, it will deny the right to life to anyone who does not conform to its ideology.

The mindset and structure of HTS are no mystery. This is precisely why they have not been accepted internationally in the way they had hoped. The United States (US), the United Nations (UN), and European countries have not removed HTS from their list of terrorist organizations. In fact, by continuing the sanctions imposed on the Baath regime, they have made it clear that they will keep monitoring the group and observing its actions. Despite being under international scrutiny and operating in a time of severe economic collapse within the country, HTS did not hesitate to carry out a massacre targeting the Alawite population. Moreover, the governing practices they have demonstrated so far have consistently excluded any notion of democracy.

Syria is a country rich in culture, ethnicity, and religious diversity. However, the overly centralized and repressive rule of the Baath regime is what led the country to its current state. What Syria needs is not new despots or authoritarian systems, but a democratic structure that embraces all people. Only a democratic Syria can truly welcome all beliefs, cultures, and differences. Yet HTS has acted in complete opposition to this vision. It appointed the so-called transitional government according to its own interests, dictated the content of the transitional constitution, and unilaterally defined the 'congress' and its composition. In doing so, it consulted neither the self-administrations governing significant parts of Syria, nor the Druze community, nor intellectuals or secular groups. In many cases, they were not even informed.

HTS has even adopted and reimposed the name of the country as defined by the Baath regime, insisting on calling it the 'Syrian Arab Republic' instead of the 'Democratic Syrian Republic.' As can be seen, both their mindset and the methods they employ are completely incompatible with democracy. They openly claim that drafting the constitution and holding elections will take four to five years, but this is a deliberate tactic. In reality, one year is more than enough to draft a constitution, and two years are sufficient to organize elections. Because they lack a genuine mass base, they aim to use state power to organize themselves and consolidate their rule. Their plan is to establish dominance first, weaken the opposition, and only then move toward elections.

There are serious misconceptions in the discussions taking place within democratic circles and in the international public sphere. What is truly needed is to correct these misunderstandings, demand democracy for all of Syria, and actively struggle for it. It is often said, “Alawites, Druze, Christians, and other minorities in Syria must be protected, and their persecution must be opposed.” Raising awareness on these issues is not wrong. If HTS gains more power, it will undoubtedly crush these minorities. Their mentality is perfectly suited to such repression. They operate with a boundless lust for power and an authoritarian mindset. However, focusing solely on this aspect of the problem is a mistake. It ultimately plays into HTS’s hands and reinforces their agenda.

Is it only minorities and followers of different faiths who want democracy in Syria? Does the broader Syrian population truly accept the mindset and governance model of HTS? The answer is no. A large portion of the Syrian people, especially Sunni Arabs, must not be abandoned to HTS. There is a broad segment of the population in this country that, in one form or another, has embraced secular life. For example, what percentage of Damascus’s population truly accepts the worldview and lifestyle imposed by HTS?

Do Alawites, Kurds, Turkmens, Druze, and Christian communities need democracy, but Sunnis do not? If Sunnis are overlooked, the possibility of building a healthy and inclusive democracy is put at serious risk. Just as it is wrong to label the entire Baath regime as 'Alawite,' it is equally wrong to associate all Sunnis with HTS, hand them over to it, or consider them part of it. Such an approach and perspective are fundamentally flawed.

Democratic demands and the struggle for freedom must encompass all of Syria. Self-administrations, democratic groups, and intellectuals must join forces and share their experiences. HTS must not be allowed to promote sectarianism or use religion as a tool for power. Without labeling people by sect or ethnicity, all of Syria must come together under the umbrella of democracy. When all communities and religious groups accept one another and succeed in living together peacefully, everyone in Syria will be safe. If Syria is to be a shared home for all its people, then the public stage must not be handed over to those who behead in the name of rule.