Ahmed al-Scharaa, head of the Islamist militia Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has distanced his group from its Al-Qaeda roots and advocates for an inclusive Syria for all, including religious minorities. Conflict researcher Emanuel Schäublin discusses whether al-Scharaa’s promises are genuine or mere rhetoric. Since leading the administration of Idlib, al-Scharaa has faced pressure from the population to improve conditions, reflecting a pragmatic approach. However, the potential tension with the more conservative militant factions raises questions about the future political rights and status of minority groups in Syria.