Arab foreign ministers urge support for inclusive, 'peaceful' Syria transition

Few reports have surfaced of reprisals, revenge killings or sectarian violence.

The path they eventually choose to follow will determine whether the mistakes and miscalculations that devastated not only al-Assad’s Syria but also Iraq and Lebanon will be repeated here in this “new era”.

A portrait of the rebel group has been gleaned from interviews with experts, representatives of humanitarian or other organisations working in the territory under its control, local residents and reports by the United Nations or think tanks.

The lightning offensive that captured the capital Damascus on December 8 led to celebrations across the country and beyond.