7am Syria’s president: From rebel fighter to meeting with Trump
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May 27, 2025 Heidi Pett, a correspondent based in Damascus, shares her insights from a meeting with Syria's transitional leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa. Once a rebel fighter and enemy of the U.S., he is now forging a new political path. The conversation delves into al-Sharaa's transformation, his audience with Trump, and the potential lifting of sanctions on Syria. Pett highlights the dire economic realities facing the population amidst his cautious approach to governance and the complex challenges of uniting a fractured nation post-Assad.
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Meeting Syria's New President
- Heidi Pett visited Ahmed al-Sharaa in the presidential palace the day after he declared himself interim president.
- The palace was large but eerily empty, reflecting the sudden control by rebel groups in Damascus.
Al-Sharaa's Unlikely Political Role
- Despite his militant past, Ahmed al-Sharaa appeared physically unimposing and awkward meeting the press.
- His rise to presidency seems uncomfortable, hinting at the immense challenge ahead.
From Fighter to Politician
- Ahmed al-Sharaa was radicalized around 2000 and joined al-Qaeda in Iraq, later leading al-Nusra Front.
- He skillfully navigated shifting alliances in the Middle East, showing political cunning beyond his militant reputation.