In fast-moving developments in Syria today, there were various voices on all sides calling for cooperation in forming a new government and an avoidance of retribution. Early this morning, local time, Syria’s military announced to their forces that President Bashar al-Assad had resigned. Assad’s Prime Minister Mohammad al-Jalali stated that he is “ready to cooperate with any leadership chosen by the people,” as quoted by Al Jazeera. He added that he remains at home and is willing to do his best to maintain services for the population during this unstable period. He urged all parties to think “rationally,” adding that he extends his hand in cooperation to everyone, including members of the opposition.
Ahmed Al-Sharaa, a prominent commander for the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), appeared to be in sync with al-Jalali. He issued orders prohibiting all militant forces in Damascus from approaching public institutions or firing weapons into the air. He went on to say that government institutions will remain under the supervision of the “former prime minister” until they are officially transferred to the new authorities.
