Syria’s new realities require swift action

The recent killing of 14 members of the new Syrian government's security force, and subsequent crackdowns, marks the end of its brief honeymoon period and the start of a new phase of greater uncertainty and instability reflecting the realities of Syria's sectarian and political divisions. For skeptics, this clearly opens a new, and more bloody, chapter in Syria's ongoing 14-year civil war.

In addition, the initial euphoria immediately following Assad's downfall on December 7 has been further overshadowed by increasing protests, and accompanying curfews, by minorities demanding greater protection against attacks, intimidation and discrimination.

There is mounting pressure on Syria's de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, and his Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)-led government to defy doubters' expectations and deliver on promises of "inclusive and representative government,"...