Emotions and Uncertainty in Aleppo: A Family Reunion Amidst Fear of Conflict**

In the wake of recent fighting, Aleppo residents are experiencing a mix of joy and fear. A reunion highlights personal connections amid the uncertainty created by the rebel group's control, raising concerns over potential renewed violence.**

In the heart of Aleppo, an English teacher named Abdulkafi experienced an emotional reunion with his 85-year-old father for the first time in years. This poignant moment unfolded just days after rebels launched a campaign that led to the city's takeover from the Assad regime. The emotional embrace, shared in a video with the BBC, reflects the deep longings and complicated realities faced by many families in the war-torn region.

Since the control of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and their allies, locals have described improvements in basic services like water and electricity. However, this sense of relief is shadowed by a persistent anxiety about the possibility of renewed violent conflict. Reports indicate that tens of thousands have been displaced due to the ongoing clashes. Those who spoke with the BBC emphasized their fears regarding airstrikes and potential retribution from the regime should circumstances turn once more.

Many interviewees expressed a palpable sense of trepidation. One man voiced his anxiety over potential bombardments, recalling prior traumatic periods of conflict, while another detailed how grocery runs had become fraught experiences filled with apprehension. “We’re living in complete apprehension,” he stated, highlighting a collective fear that had settled over the city.

Despite the rebels’ current governance, skepticism lingers among the populace. Abdulkafi pointed out that some of his relatives were hesitant to be seen with him due to fears of repercussions from the regime’s forces. The oppressive influence of Assad’s image throughout the city evokes a sense of paranoia reminiscent of Orwellian themes.

The change in power has left many residents confused and scared. A local woman reflected on the mixed emotions post-takeover. While initial worries kept her confined, a subsequent sense of security encouraged her to venture outdoors. Yet, the overarching feeling has been one of discomfort and mistrust.

Interesting accounts have surfaced regarding the treatment of minority communities in Aleppo. Observations from George Meneshian, a political analyst, suggest that local Christians have not faced direct harm from HTS. Although HTS vowed peace, there remains a strong suspicion grounded in historical patterns of behavior from similar groups.

Abdulkafi, currently residing in HTS-controlled territory in Idlib, acknowledged the group's attempts to appear more moderate as they aim for global acceptance. “They are showing much more flexibility,” he noted, while clearly stressing his disagreement with them.

As Aleppo continues to navigate this new chapter, the emotional and societal balance continues to hang in the balance, with the shadows of conflict still looming.