Following the recent fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime, Syrian opposition leaders assert they have fundamentally altered Iran's influence within the region. Ahmad al-Sharaa, head of the newly formed opposition government, revealed this perspective during his recent interview with the pan-Arab publication Asharq al-Awsat.
Al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, claimed the opposition had effectively "set the Iranian project in the region back by 40 years." His comments signal not only the end of Assad's dominance but the potential reorientation of Syria's role on the regional stage. He emphasized, "Syria will no longer be used to attack or destabilize any country in the Arab or Gulf region." This redirection suggests aspirations to mend relations with neighboring states, distancing Syria from the turbulent legacy of Iranian control and regional destabilization.
Delving deep, al-Sharaa underscored how Syria had previously been exploited by Iran to exert dominance over significant Arab capitals. He stated, “Syria had become a platform for Iran to control key Arab capitals, spread wars, and destabilize the Gulf with drugs like Captagon.” With this historic shift, the Syrian opposition now seems committed to barring Iranian militias and influence from their territory. Al-Sharaa noted, “By removing Iranian militias and closing Syria to Iranian influence, we’ve served the region’s interests—achieving what diplomacy and external pressure could not, with minimal losses.”
Yet al-Sharaa also criticized countries attempting to reinstate ties with Assad or reintegrate him within bodies like the Arab League without genuine concessions. He expressed skepticism about these diplomatic overtures, asserting, "we knew the regime would not make any genuine concessions or approach these overtures in good faith." This notion raises questions about the legitimacy of efforts to reconcile with Assad, reflecting the opposition's firm stance against any normalization of relationships with the ousted president.
When addressing the darker aspects of Assad's regime, al-Sharaa remarked on the historical abuses committed under Assad's rule, including drug trafficking, stating, “I believe families have the right to file complaints against unknown perpetrators.” His acknowledgment of the regime's brutalities reinforces the opposition's commitment to accountability and justice.
Beyond these critiques, al-Sharaa articulated his vision for post-Assad Syria, which includes focusing on nation-building and striving for unity across diverse opinions. “We want to restore trust and rebuild our country as part of the Arab world,” he reiterated, reflecting the new government's intent to forge stronger ties with neighboring Arab nations. His call for inclusivity and respect for differing views indicates a readiness to embrace Syria’s complex social fabric as they move forward.
The discussion also touched upon Lebanon, where al-Sharaa emphasized the intention for Syria to maintain respectful and non-intrusive relations. “We are not seeking any form of dominance over Lebanon,” he stated, cementing the idea of mutual respect as the foundation of future Beirut-Damascus interactions.
Al-Sharaa's commitment to transparency and open governance was underlined by the symbolism of his interview being held at the Presidential Palace—a site long associated with Assad. The location, as per al-Sharaa, should represent accessibility and accountability to the Syrian populace, underscoring their intent to reestablish trust with citizens.
Finally, this new administration aims not only to deny Iranian meddling but to restore Syria's place within the wider Arab community. The notion of Syria as "a haven for controversial individuals" reveals aspirations to redefine its international role, possibly attracting figures seeking refuge but hoping to contribute to rebuilding efforts.
Al-Sharaa's interview resonates with broader themes of sovereignty, national identity, and regional relations, highlighting the challenges and aspirations facing post-Assad Syria. His pronouncements reflect both the harsh realities of the past and the hope for renewal. With their eyes set on rebuilding, the challenge remains: can the Syrian opposition turn words of commitment and unity...into reality?
