How will President Ahmed Al-Sharaa shape Syria’s future?
Feb 4, 2025
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In this discussion, Osama bin Javaid, an Al Jazeera English correspondent with 14 years of experience in Damascus, delves into the complexities surrounding Syria's interim leader, Ahmed Al-Sharaa. They explore Al-Sharaa’s shift from rebel fighter to governing statesman, highlighting his ambitions for stability and institutional rebuilding. The conversation touches on the impact of his Saudi Arabia visit and the intricate dynamics of economic sanctions. Voices of the Syrian people resonate, emphasizing the need for an inclusive dialogue to navigate the nation’s uncertain future.
Ahmed al-Sharaa aims to unify Syria's various factions while focusing on stability and institutional rebuilding amidst a hopeful populace.
His administration's diplomatic efforts, including rapprochement with Saudi Arabia, face challenges from Western sanctions requiring significant reforms.
Deep dives
Transition of Power in Syria
The new interim president of Syria, Ahmed al-Shara, has taken charge after the fall of the previous regime, marking a significant shift in the country’s governance. His leadership is seen as a unifying force, attracting support from various factions previously aligned against each other and offering a sense of belonging among Syrians. Many citizens are hopeful as al-Shara's government has begun taking concrete actions, such as instructing armed groups to disband under a single command and dissolving remnants of the prior administration. However, observers caution that while optimism is prevalent now, true governance and decision-making will ultimately reveal the effectiveness of this transitional government.
New Diplomatic Relations and Challenges
Ahmed al-Shara's administration is actively seeking to rebuild relations with regional powers and garner international support following years of isolation under Bashar al-Assad. His recent visit to Saudi Arabia signals a potential shift in alliances, with al-Shara intent on channeling financial support through his new government. Diplomatic engagement has increased, as demonstrated by visits from foreign officials, including those from Turkey and Qatar, which are crucial for Syria’s rebuilding efforts. However, the existing sanctions imposed by Western nations pose a significant barrier, with the international community requiring substantial reforms and inclusivity before reconsidering their stance.
Public Sentiment and Future Prospects
The sentiment among the Syrian populace reflects a degree of cautious optimism as they navigate the political transition. Many citizens express hope for a better future, feeling a newfound sense of freedom and potential, despite facing challenges such as economic hardship and a lack of infrastructure. Grassroots interactions reveal a deep yearning for stability and normalcy, with people eager to engage in rebuilding their communities. Nevertheless, the prospect of lasting peace remains fragile, as the country must address numerous socio-economic issues while maintaining unity among diverse cultural and religious groups.
Once an al-Qaeda-affiliated fighter, Syria’s interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa now governs a nation in flux. He claims to be focused on stability, dissolving rebel groups and rebuilding institutions. His visit to Saudi Arabia signals shifting alliances and efforts to ease sanctions. But can he truly redefine Syria’s future – and what will it mean for the region?
In this episode:
Osama bin Javaid (@osamabinjavaid), Al Jazeera English, correspondent
Episode credits:
This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan and Tamara Khandaker, with Sarí el-Khalili, Hagir Saleh, Melanie Marich, Hanah Shokeir, and our host, Natasha Del Toro. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz
Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.