In Syria’s war-torn northwest, a new government is attempting to rebuild after decades of dictatorship. The economy remains paralysed, in large part due to international sanctions, and there is deep uncertainty about what comes next. ABC meets civilians navigating this fragile transition—and those with the most to lose if cycles of vengeance take hold. Moaz Al-Safawi, recently released from the notorious Sednaya prison, says: “I’m freed from the humiliation of torment and oppression.” Meanwhile, in a Damascus suburb, HTS commander Julbib claims 25 "extremely dangerous” regime loyalists have been arrested in a single day. The new authorities are eager to prove they can govern—but ideological differences have generated tension. Among the coalition that overthrew Assad are factions with hardline Islamist beliefs. Political analyst Nanar Hawach warns: “The economy is suffocating because of the sanctions and the terrorist listing. Our government is listed as a terrorist organisation, so no foreign entity can deal with it.”