Brave New Reality: Hope and Apprehension in Post-Rebel Aleppo**

As families reunite following a major rebel offensive in Aleppo, residents confront mixed emotions of joy and anxiety. While some express gratitude towards the rebel forces for improved living conditions, fears loom over potential airstrikes and the return of authoritarian governance.**

In the aftermath of a significant rebel offensive that saw Aleppo fall under the control of the armed group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), residents are experiencing a mix of emotion as they navigate their new reality. Abdulkafi, an English teacher who had been unable to visit his family in regime-held Aleppo, found himself in an emotional reunion with his 85-year-old father, a meeting captured on video that showcases the profound impact of the changes taking place in the city.

Since the takeover, locals have reported mixed experiences under HTS’s rule, with some praising improvements such as increased access to electricity and water. However, underlying this transitional euphoria is an acute fear of renewed warfare, ignited by the recent bombardments from government and Russian forces that have already claimed lives. UN reports indicate that tens of thousands have been displaced amid these tensions, and many residents remain reticent, requesting anonymity in their expressed concerns.

Residents frequently conveyed their anxieties about potential airstrikes. One individual described an atmosphere of “complete apprehension,” citing a fear of violence that mirrors the traumatic experiences of earlier stages in the Syrian conflict. Since the Syrian government’s prior retaking of Aleppo in 2016, the city had largely avoided fierce clashes but now stands on the precipice of uncertainty once again.

While HTS fights have been treated with relative respect, some citizens harbor doubts about the group’s commitment to moderation. Cultural apprehensions, especially among minority groups such as Christians, linger due to past experiences with similar militant factions. Observers note that while HTS has publicly distanced itself from its al-Qaeda roots, a lingering wariness remains, as prior assurances from jihadist groups have sometimes led to brutal outcomes later.

Yet, amidst this apprehension, there are voices that express cautious optimism. Residents have noted a lack of initial hostility from HTS fighters towards them, with some suggesting that the group is making overtures to gain broader acceptance to ensure stability and legitimacy. This ideological shift elicits a complicated response; people appreciate their improved situation but remain vigilant, realizing that unpredictability is the new norm for Aleppo.

As communities adapt, the shared sentiment remains one of uncertainty. Many families, despite the bittersweet joy of family reunions, echo a common dread about the future. “We feel let down by everyone,” remarked one individual, summing up a palpable collective uncertainty and dread about what lies ahead for them in a city fraught with political and social tension.