Amidst a transformed leadership in Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa emphasizes peace and calls for the de-listing of his group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, from terrorism designations.
Syria's Ahmed al-Sharaa Declares Country Not a Threat, Calls for Sanctions Lift
Syria's Ahmed al-Sharaa Declares Country Not a Threat, Calls for Sanctions Lift
In a recent BBC interview, rebel leader Ahmed al-Sharaa asserts Syria is no longer a danger to its neighbors or the West, advocating for a lift on sanctions.
Ahmed al-Sharaa, the de facto leader of Syria following the overthrow of the Assad regime, stated that the war-weary nation poses no threat to its neighbors or Western countries. During an interview conducted in Damascus with the BBC, he urged the international community to lift sanctions imposed on Syria, arguing that the nation is exhausted from years of conflict.
Al-Sharaa spearheaded the recent offensive that culminated in the ousting of Bashar al-Assad's administration. Currently leading the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group previously affiliated with al-Qaeda before its split in 2016, he reiterated his stance that HTS should no longer be considered a terrorist organization. The group faces designation as a terrorist entity by multiple bodies, including the UN, US, EU, and UK, a classification he seeks to contest.
He defended HTS by asserting that the organization focuses on military targets and does not harm civilians, emphasizing that the group regards itself as a victim of Assad's regime. Al-Sharaa argued against the notion of equating victims with their oppressors, insisting that the new leadership strives for different values, including women’s education.
Throughout the interview, Al-Sharaa maintained a calm demeanor, dressing in civilian attire, aiming to assure those skeptical of HTS' departure from its previously extremist roots. However, doubts linger among many Syrians regarding the intentions of the new rulers, with upcoming actions expected to reveal the future direction of governance in Syria.
As international observers note the potential for change, calls for human rights respect are echoed by entities like the UN. Future developments will play a crucial role in shaping the new political landscape of Syria after a long and arduous civil conflict.
