Ahmed al-Sharaa, the de facto leader of Syria, stated in an interview with the BBC that the country, worn out by years of conflict, poses no threat to its neighbors or the West. He called for the lifting of sanctions imposed on Syria, arguing they were aimed at the previous regime and that the victim and oppressor should not be treated alike.
Sharaa recently led a swift campaign that resulted in the toppling of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. As the head of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the leading faction in the rebel alliance, he urged for the group’s removal from designated terrorist lists, noting that HTS was originally a splinter group from al-Qaeda before separating in 2016.
He asserted that HTS does not target civilians or civilian areas and views its members as victims of the Assad regime’s crimes. In response to concerns about Syria resembling Afghanistan, Sharaa emphasized the fundamental differences between the two nations, citing different traditions and mindsets.
Promoting women’s education, Sharaa stated that universities have been present in Idlib for over eight years, with over 60% of students being women. Regarding social issues such as alcohol consumption, he noted that those decisions would be left to a “Syrian committee of legal experts” tasked with writing a constitution.
During the interview, Sharaa appeared at ease, dressed in civilian attire, and sought to reassure those skeptical about his group’s departure from extremist practices. However, many Syrians remain unconvinced. The forthcoming actions of Syria’s new leadership will determine the future direction of the country and its governance.
Credit: BBC News
