Syria faces choice between violence or peace

Syria faces a critical choice following the recent overthrow of President Bashar Assad, according to the top U.N. envoy for the country, Geir Pedersen. He addressed the U.N. Security Council, stating that Syria could either fall back into violence or take steps toward peace. Pedersen emphasized the importance of making the right decisions for Syria’s future. He warned that returning to conflict and chaos must be avoided. A peaceful transition is possible but requires support from both the Syrian people and the international community. Syria's civil war lasted 13 years until a new insurgency led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) ended Assad's long rule. Ahmad al-Sharaa, the former leader of HTS, became the interim president. Recently, clashes between security forces loyal to al-Sharaa and Assad's supporters escalated into deadly sectarian violence, killing hundreds, primarily from the Alawite community. While the situation has calmed somewhat, reports of harassment and intimidation continue. Pedersen noted that an independent investigation into the violence has been announced and must meet international standards. He highlighted the need for accountability for past crimes as Syria moves forward. The U.N. will observe if the new government reflects the country’s diversity, including representation of women. A temporary constitution has been signed, which promises protection for all Syrians but also raises concerns about its transparency and the balance of power. In addition, Pedersen mentioned urgent issues such as managing armed groups, foreign fighters, and the economy that need attention as Syria charts its future path.