The current leader of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has expressed the country’s fatigue from years of conflict, asserting that it poses no threat to neighboring nations or the West. In a recent interview in Damascus, he called for the lifting of sanctions imposed on Syria.
Sharaa recently led a swift campaign that resulted in the downfall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. He heads the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the primary faction within the rebel coalition. Previously, he was recognized by his wartime alias, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani.
During his statements, Sharaa advocated for HTS to be removed from the list of designated terrorist organizations. The group is currently classified as such by various international bodies, including the UN, US, EU, and UK, stemming from its origins as a splinter faction of al-Qaeda, from which it separated in 2016.
Sharaa contended that HTS does not engage in attacks against civilians and views itself as a victim of the Assad regime’s crimes. He asserted that the oppressed should not be equated with their oppressors.
In addressing concerns regarding his intentions for Syria, Sharaa dismissed comparisons to Afghanistan, emphasizing the distinct cultural and societal frameworks of the two countries, noting that Syria values women’s education.
Throughout the interview, Sharaa appeared composed, dressed in civilian attire, and sought to instill confidence among those skeptical of his group’s departure from its extremist history. However, many Syrians remain unconvinced by his reassurances.
The forthcoming actions of Syria’s new leadership are anticipated to reveal their vision for the nation’s future and their approach to governance.
