CEP Analyst Gregory Waters writes: "Shortly after Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) drove Bashar al-Assad out of Syria last year, the group pledged to respect the rights of minorities. Yet, since HTS took control over much of the country, some across the international community have raised fears that Syria’s new leaders—with their jihadist backgrounds—might erode minority rights or exclude these communities from the political transition process. These fears have been newly flamed by the massive, targeted violence against Alawites on Syria’s coast during the second week of March. Nevertheless, there have been some signs for optimism about the inclusion of at least some minorities in post-Assad Syria."

“Germany has offered to support Syria following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad's regime — but only if all of the country's many population groups are included, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has said. She spoke of a "moment of hope" for the country but also expressed concern that this could be deceptive. All efforts must now be made to "ensure that Syria finds the path to a peaceful and stable future for all…" How should HTS be seen now? Hans-Jakob Schindler, Middle East expert and director of the international organization Counter Extremism Project, welcomed al-Jolani's initial statements but pointed out that the HTS "did not fight and bleed alone (against Assad)," but also alongside hardline Islamist groups.”

CEP Senior Director Dr. Hans-Jakob Schindler interviewed: "FBI Director explains his decision to resign. Dr. Hans Jakob Schindler details how Hayat Tahrir al Sham overthrew Bashar al Assad’s regime in Syria overthrown so fast."

"A rebel group that was born out of al-Qaida overthrew Syria President Bashar al-Assad within 10 days. Hayat Tahrir al Sham are now in control of the country, and Assad is in Russia.

In this week’s episode of “The Hunt with WTOP National Security Correspondent J.J. Green,” Hans Jakob Schindler, senior director of the Counter Extremism Project, explains why it all happened so quickly and completely."

"The regime of President Bashar al-Assad has collapsed after a lightning rebel offensive that began less than two weeks ago. The alliance of opposition groups is led by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Hans-Jakob Schindler of the Counter Extremism Project talked to DW about support for the rebels among the Syrian public."