Syria is at the dawn of a new era following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, the tyrant who ruled for nearly 25 years. The country’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa (formerly known as Mohammed al-Jolani), has made headlines with bold statements about Syria's foreign policies, internal governance, and the pressing need for recovery.
Following Assad's departure on December 8, amid the swift advances of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, al-Sharaa has been vocal about not permitting Syria to be used as a launchpad for attacks against neighboring Israel. "We are committed to the 1974 agreement and we are prepared to return the UN [monitors]," he asserted, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace and preventing foreign aggression. His condemnation of the airstrikes conducted by Israel has been clear, urging the cessation of hostilities: "The Syrian people need a break, and the strikes must end. Israel has to pull back to its previous positions,” he stated during his interview.
Transitioning from Assad's regime is no easy feat; al-Sharaa faces the monumental task of rebuilding both the country's infrastructure and its image on the world stage. His calls for Western nations to lift the sanctions imposed during Assad's tenure signal his intention to reignite the Syrian economy. "Countries must now lift this designation. Syria is very important geostrategically. They should lift all restrictions, which were imposed on the flogger and the victim — the flogger is gone now. This issue is not up for negotiation," he argued, making it clear he believes the time has come for international powers to support Syria's recovery.
The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) echoed similar sentiments, cautioning against the risks of continued sanctions which they proposed could impede recovery efforts after the regime's collapse. "Continuing to impose these sanctions may turn them from instruments of accountability to obstacles to Syrian recovery," the SNHR warned, highlighting the importance of rebuilding infrastructure, restoring services, and aiding the return of displaced persons.
Al-Sharaa's leadership and the HTS's control raise concerns, particularly among Syria's minority groups, including Christians, Druze, and Alawites. Al-Sharaa has made efforts to allay these fears, stating, "We need to bring the people back from neighboring countries and Turkey, and Europe," which focuses on the return of the ample Syrian populace displaced by the civil war. He promised amnesty for Syrians who had not engaged in violence, except for those who "have blood on their hands,” showing intent on reconciliation.
Reflecting on the shape of future governance, al-Sharaa has indicated plans for establishing committees to draft a new constitution—a lengthy process he acknowledged would take time. “It will be the natural Syria,” he insisted, addressing anticipations of stricter laws under his rule, stating he thinks, "Syria will not deeply intrude on personal freedoms." This positioning reflects al-Sharaa’s attempts to craft his public image as more moderate compared to the militancy associated with al-Qaeda, from which HTS has emerged.
Further complicity lies within the international sphere where Western nations grapple with their designations of HTS as a terrorist organization. Al-Sharaa, who has had $10 million placed on his head by the U.S., views this label as politically charged and out of touch with the realities of the new Syrian leadership.
The UN's special envoy, Geir Pedersen, recently visited Damascus and spoke of the necessity to lift economic sanctions imposed by the West to allow for reconstruction. His call echoed al-Sharaa’s request for actionable support from the international community, fostering expectations for collaboration with civil society organizations and ensuring accountability within the successor regime.
Yet the challenges are formidable. With half of Syria's population fleeing and many lacking identity papers, the restoration of normalcy and governance requires not only strategic planning but also genuine inclusivity. Al-Sharaa recognized these hurdles, noting the damage the war inflicted on Syria’s societal fabric and infrastructure.
Despite the immediate task of reconstruction, parties from many sides remain skeptical. The U.S. and its allies, undecided on their future interactions with al-Sharaa’s government, will observe closely how the new leadership maneuvers this precarious seas of independence from Assad’s iron-fisted rule.
Al-Sharaa appears to be aware of these weighty expectations; numerous rounds of negotiations with minority leaders have taken place. He reassures communities by emphasizing non-oppression and respect for diversity. Al-Sharaa remarked, "Anyone who violates [amnesty] will be held accountable," showing he understands the scrutiny facing his leadership.
While the immediate future of Syria stands at a crossroads laden with potential and peril, the path toward national healing appears to be intertwined with al-Sharaa’s strategic choices, domestic reforms, and the international response to an uncertain new regime. Those advocating for Syria see the urgent necessity to transition from historical enmity and create opportunities for peace and prosperity.
