The Documentary Podcast

A makeover for Syria's interim leader?

10 snips
Dec 13, 2025
Samia Hosni, a BBC Monitoring analyst, discusses the significant PR makeover of Syria's interim leader, Ahmad al-Shara. She highlights his social media presence, playing pool and basketball, aimed at gaining international legitimacy. Samia also analyzes al-Shara's recent diplomatic efforts in Washington. Meanwhile, Osmond Chia reports on Macau's first luxury resort hospital, focusing on its ambitious medical tourism push amidst a gaming-dominated economy, revealing the region's plans for economic diversification.
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INSIGHT

Calculated Public Persona Shift

  • Ahmad al-Sharaa has undergone a visible public-persona makeover since assuming power in December.
  • The shift from militant imagery to a moderate, suit-wearing leader is aimed at broadening his appeal across Syria and internationally.
ANECDOTE

Joke In Washington

  • A clip shows Ahmad al-Sharaa cracking a joke while sitting beside the U.S. envoy Tom Barrack in Washington.
  • The lighthearted moment, met with audience laughter, illustrates his new approachable public manner.
INSIGHT

From Homogenous Base To Diverse Nation

  • Moving from Idlib to Damascus forces al-Sharaa to appeal to a diverse society including Christians, Alawites, Druze and Kurds.
  • His public moderation is therefore partly a strategic adaptation to govern a plural nation.
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