As news of Bashar al-Assad’s ousting in Syria sweeps the globe, we find ourselves staring into the fog of post-revolution uncertainty. For over half a century, Assad’s iron grip exemplified much of what Christians and conservatives alike should oppose: authoritarianism, repression, and the steady persecution of dissenting voices. Yet, the downfall of tyranny doesn’t guarantee a rise in freedom.

The first question must be this: Will the fall of Assad lead to genuine liberty, or are we merely trading one oppressive regime for another, cloaked in different rhetoric? Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the group leading this revolution, is a known quantity—born of al-Qaeda and steeped in a troubling ideology. Their leader, Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani, now speaks of pluralism and tolerance. But when it comes to terrorist organizations, actions, not words, must define credibility.

A Region in Turmoil, A Cautious Hope

The Middle East’s history offers a sobering reminder that revolutions often replace one tyrant not with peace, but with chaos—or, tragically, something worse. The fall of Muammar Gaddafi in Libya is a stark example. What followed his ousting was not freedom, but anarchy, a fractured nation plagued by rival militias, and the grotesque resurgence of human trafficking. Similarly, Saddam Hussein’s fall in Iraq unleashed a maelstrom of sectarian violence that tore the nation apart, leaving a legacy of mistrust, terror, and an unending cycle of instability.

Syria has already traveled much of this bloody path. The civil war, which ostensibly began as a fight for freedom, has led to unimaginable suffering: over half the population displaced, hundreds of thousands killed, and entire cities reduced to rubble. For Syria’s Christians and other minorities, the question remains grim and unanswered: Will this new leadership bring protection and inclusion, or will they be left vulnerable to persecution, scapegoated as so often happens in power struggles?

The plight of Syria’s Christians demands not only our attention but our fervent prayers. These communities have survived centuries in the region, often by living as second-class citizens under regimes that promised them survival in exchange for submission. Bashar al-Assad styled himself as their protector, but at a high cost, using them as political pawns to shore up his regime’s legitimacy. Now, under the new leadership of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), there are murmurs of hope that Christians and other minorities might be allowed to exist in a more inclusive Syria. But history, and HTS’s own violent past, leaves no room for naïveté.

HTS may speak the language of reform, with its leader, Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani, pledging tolerance and diversity. But words are cheap, especially when coming from an organization with roots in extremism. Vigilance is essential. Revolutions often bring a dangerous temptation for the new rulers to consolidate power by targeting minorities as scapegoats for the nation’s woes. Syria’s Christians, having already endured so much, cannot afford to be sacrificed yet again on the altar of political expediency.

This moment calls for cautious hope but also resolute action. The international community, particularly nations that value religious freedom, must make it clear to Syria’s new leaders that the treatment of Christians and other minorities will be a litmus test for their legitimacy. And for Christians around the world, this is a time to amplify our prayers and our voices. These are our brothers and sisters in Christ. Their fate in this new era is a spiritual matter as much as a political one, reminding us that the body of Christ is global, and when one part suffers, all suffer (1 Corinthians 12:26).

The road ahead for Syria will be long and fraught with challenges. But as Christians, we are called to stand firm in the defense of justice and the vulnerable. Our vigilance, prayers, and advocacy must continue, trusting that God remains sovereign over even the most turbulent times.

A Moral Responsibility

As Christians, we are called to seek peace and pursue justice, as Psalm 34:14 exhorts us: “Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.” Micah 6:8 reinforces this mandate, reminding us to “do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.” These are not passive instructions; they are calls to action rooted in wisdom and discernment. When it comes to engaging with a group like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), prudence and moral clarity are essential.

Should we engage with HTS? The answer is a firm not without skepticism. Trust is not a currency that can be freely handed out in the name of political expediency. It must be earned through consistent actions, not simply words. HTS, with its roots in extremism and a history intertwined with al-Qaeda, carries a legacy that warrants suspicion. While its leader, Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani, has broken ties with both ISIS and al-Qaeda and now speaks the language of reform, we cannot afford to accept these statements at face value. Change must be demonstrated, not declared.

The United States has troops on the ground in Syria for a critical purpose: to prevent the resurgence of ISIS and other extremist organizations that threaten not only regional stability but global security. Any engagement with HTS, whether diplomatic or otherwise, must come with strict, non-negotiable conditions. The U.S. and its allies must demand verifiable evidence of transformation—a clear commitment to human rights, the protection of minorities, and the abandonment of extremist ideologies and practices.

Dialogue, if pursued, must be accompanied by accountability. International monitors, credible humanitarian organizations, and the eyes of the world must be fixed on Syria’s new leadership, ensuring that their actions align with their promises. Without these safeguards, any engagement risks legitimizing a group that may still harbor dangerous ideologies under a rebranded facade.

As Christians, we are not called to be gullible but to be as wise as serpents and harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16). Engaging with groups like HTS demands this balance—proactively seeking peace and justice while remaining alert to the ever-present danger of deception. In a region where trust has been repeatedly betrayed, our actions must reflect both compassion for Syria’s suffering people and an unwavering commitment to truth and righteousness.

Lessons from History

Assad’s downfall provides a stark and humbling lesson for the United States: toppling regimes without a clear, actionable plan for the aftermath often creates more harm than good. The American track record in the Middle East is a cautionary tale of well-intentioned but poorly executed interventions. In Syria, we spent billions training and arming rebels in an attempt to engineer a “moderate” opposition. Those resources were not only squandered but, in many cases, misused or co-opted by extremists. And now, the group that ultimately succeeded in toppling Assad—Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)—is one we have labeled a terrorist organization.

This irony underscores the futility of interventionism driven by utopian ideals rather than grounded in practical realities. America has repeatedly learned, and seemingly forgotten, that dismantling a regime is the easy part; the real challenge lies in building something better in its place. Libya’s chaos post-Gaddafi and Iraq’s turmoil after Saddam’s fall stand as glaring examples. The failure to account for cultural, religious, and tribal complexities in these nations has led to power vacuums filled by factions far worse than the regimes they replaced. Syria now teeters on the edge of a similar fate.

The American response must pivot from aggressive interventionism to strategic diplomacy rooted in realism. Rather than rushing to dictate Syria’s future, our priority should be supporting stability and fostering peace through partnerships with key regional players. Turkey’s involvement in HTS’s victory, for example, makes it a pivotal player in shaping Syria’s trajectory. Ankara’s influence on HTS and its vested interests in Syria’s stability mean the U.S. must engage with Turkey as both an ally and a counterbalance to potential excesses by the new regime.

Likewise, Israel’s recent strategic moves, including weakening Iran and Hezbollah, highlight its critical role in the region’s security. Israel’s military precision and intelligence capabilities have exposed and neutralized many threats, including Iranian proxies operating in Syria. Supporting Israel’s defensive posture not only strengthens a vital ally but also ensures a bulwark against the spread of extremist ideologies across the region.

Diplomacy must also emphasize humanitarian concerns. With half of Syria’s population displaced and countless lives shattered, any future stability depends on rebuilding not just infrastructure but trust and governance. This will require international cooperation, leveraging the influence of nations like Turkey, Israel, and Jordan to encourage reforms while holding Syria’s new leadership accountable.

Ultimately, the United States must resist the temptation to play the world’s policeman or attempt to mold Syria in its image. Instead, we should focus on being a partner for peace, using our influence to encourage stability while recognizing the limits of our reach. If there is one takeaway from Syria’s long, bloody war, it is this: Sustainable solutions cannot be imposed from the outside. They must arise from within, supported by neighbors who understand the region’s intricacies and complexities. In this effort, America’s role should be one of support, not control—partnering for peace rather than perpetuating conflict.

The Path Forward

For Syria, the top priority must be ensuring that justice and accountability prevail in the wake of Bashar al-Assad’s downfall. This is not just a political necessity but a moral imperative. Securing Assad’s chemical weapons stockpile is a critical first step. These weapons, used in horrifying attacks against civilians, remain a threat in the wrong hands. Allowing them to slip into the possession of extremist groups or rogue actors could reignite violence, destabilize the region, and endanger global security.

Equally important is the protection of Syria’s most vulnerable populations, including Christians, Yazidis, Kurds, and other minorities who have long lived under the shadow of fear. As the nation transitions to new leadership, these groups must be shielded from persecution and empowered to participate fully in Syria’s future. Advocacy for a government rooted in human dignity—not ideology—is essential. A truly just government serves all its people, fostering unity rather than sowing division, and ensuring that rights are preserved regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation.

For America, this is a pivotal moment to resist the siren call of interventionism that has so often led us astray. History has shown the limits of imposing external solutions on deeply fractured societies. The role of the United States should not be to rebuild Syria in its own image, but to act as a beacon of hope, moral clarity, and support. By encouraging regional diplomacy, humanitarian aid, and measured engagement, the U.S. can contribute to stability without becoming ensnared in another prolonged conflict.

As Christians, we understand that no earthly kingdom, no matter how well-intentioned, will ever compare to the perfection of God’s kingdom. Isaiah 9:7 reminds us of the day when Christ will establish a government of peace, justice, and righteousness that will endure forever. Until that time, our task is to act as salt and light in a broken world, engaging prudently and compassionately while never losing sight of the ultimate hope we have in Christ.

Let us pray fervently for the people of Syria. They have endured unimaginable suffering and loss, yet the Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). May the Syrian people finally know freedom, safety, and the transformative love of Christ. And may God guide the nations to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly as they seek a path forward for this long-suffering land.