The question that puts the HTS leader in a difficult position: Will alcohol be allowed in Syria?

The leader of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Muhammed Colani, answered questions from BBC's senior editor Jeremy Bowen. Colani stated that the country is war-weary and said that Syria is not a threat to its neighbors or the West.

"ALL SANCTIONS MUST BE LIFTED"

Colani also called for the lifting of sanctions against Syria, stating, "Now, after everything that has happened, sanctions should be lifted because they targeted the previous regime. The oppressed and the oppressors should not be treated the same way." He also argued that the group should be removed from "terrorist organization" lists, asserting that they do not target civilians or civilian areas.

WILL SYRIA TURN INTO AFGHANISTAN?

In response to Jeremy Bowen's question, "Will Syria turn into Afghanistan?", Colani stated that the two countries are very different and have different traditions. The HTS leader described Afghanistan as a "tribal society" and noted that a very different perspective prevails in Syria. He added that the government and form of administration to be established in Syria will be shaped according to the country's history and culture. Colani mentioned that they support women's participation in education, stating, "We have had universities in Idlib for more than 8 years. The percentage of female students in universities is over 60%."

WILL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES BE ALLOWED?

In response to the question of whether the consumption of alcoholic beverages will be permitted in the country, Colani said, "There are many things I do not have the authority to speak on because these are legal matters. A committee of legal experts will prepare the constitution. They will make the decisions. Every administrator or head of state will have to comply with these laws."