Patrick Haenni, an associate researcher, has studied Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) over the past decade, regularly engaging with its leadership.
HTS faced criticism for its strategies during a collective victory involving nearly 30,000 men as a result of a calculated effort by new leadership in Damascus.
This victory contrasts with the preferences of factions in Idlib, who advocated for negotiating normalization with the international community.
Despite the immediate period of victory, regional fears persist regarding military ventures in a continuing crisis since the Gaza war.
For a deeper insight into HTS's current strategy, read the full article here.