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International Skepticism Over Hayat Tahrir al-Sham's Promises to Protect Minorities in Syria
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HTS's efforts to improve its image indicate the organization's attempts to adapt to political changes without fundamental change in its extremist ideology

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham's pledges to respect minority rights in areas under its control have sparked a wave of international skepticism, amid warnings against considering these promises as attempts to beautify the image of the organization classified as terrorist.
Abu Mohammed al-Jolani's statements coincided with his group's expanded control over large areas in northern Syria, including Aleppo, Syria's second-largest city and economic capital.
Currently, about 4 million people are under the organization's rule in Idlib governorate and parts of Aleppo and Hama, most of them displaced persons, while the organization seeks to expand its influence in areas with ethnic and religious diversity.
Approximate statistics revealed that Sunni Arabs constitute about 70% of Syria's 25 million population, while the remaining percentage is distributed among Alawites (10%), Kurds, Christians, and Druze.
Jerome Drevon, an analyst at the International Crisis Group, believes the organization is trying to show openness to minorities in Idlib, citing allowing Christians to practice their rituals and returning some properties to their owners.
However, Heba Zayadin, a researcher at Human Rights Watch, warned that minorities' fears are based on the organization's documented record of violations, including systematic violence, forced displacement, and destruction of cultural and religious heritage.
Middle East affairs analyst Guido Steinberg affirmed that the presence of jihadist elements in the organization's ranks warns of a "period of terror rule," especially in demographically diverse areas like Aleppo.
Experts indicate that the organization's attempts to polish its image come in the context of its pursuit to establish strategic relations with regional countries, despite its continued classification as a terrorist organization.
Human Rights Watch emphasized the necessity for all parties to commit to international humanitarian law, warning against repeating previous violations that led to devastating and long-term damage to civilians.
Adam Coogle, Deputy Middle East Director at the rights organization, affirms that judging the organization's intentions will be through its actions, not its statements.
Zayadin concludes that "sectarian dynamics significantly shape the lived experiences of ethnic and religious groups that often fall into a cycle of fear, displacement, and oppression," warning of the continued suffering of minorities under the control of extremist organizations.
Levant-Agencies
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- April 23, 2025
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Aimed at secondary school students, the event brought together a distinguished group of academic professionals and technology experts to mentor and inspire young participants.
More than 100 high school students from across the Kingdom of Bahrain took part in the hackathon, which featured an intensive programme of training workshops and hands-on sessions. These activities were tailored to enhance participants’ critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and team-building capabilities, while also encouraging the development of practical and sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges using modern technological tools.
BENEFIT’s Chief Executive Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi, commented: “Our support for this educational hackathon reflects our long-term strategic vision to nurture the talents of emerging national youth and empower the next generation of accomplished female leaders in technology. By fostering creativity and innovation, we aim to contribute meaningfully to Bahrain’s comprehensive development goals and align with the aspirations outlined in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030—an ambition in which BENEFIT plays a central role.”
Professor Riyadh Yousif Hamzah, President of the Royal University for Women, commented: “This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing women in STEM fields. We're cultivating a generation of creative, solution-driven female leaders who will drive national development. Our partnership with BENEFIT exemplifies the powerful synergy between academia and private sector in supporting educational innovation.”
Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager, PR & Communication at BENEFIT, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with RUW in supporting this remarkable technology-focused event. It highlights our commitment to social responsibility, and our ongoing efforts to enhance the digital and innovation capabilities of young Bahraini women and foster their ability to harness technological tools in the service of a smarter, more sustainable future.”
For his part, Dr. Humam ElAgha, Acting Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at the University, said: “BuildHer CityHack 2025 embodies our hands-on approach to education. By tackling real-world problems through creative thinking and sustainable solutions, we're preparing women to thrive in the knowledge economy – a cornerstone of the University's vision.”
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