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Ahmed al-Sharaa, the de facto leader of Syria, recently expressed the country’s exhaustion from war and emphasized that Syria poses no threat to its neighbour’s or the West.
In an interview with the BBC in Damascus, he advocated for the lifting of sanctions imposed on Syria, stating that such sanctions were originally aimed at the old regime and should not be applied to the current situation.
Having led the rapid offensive that ousted Bashar al-Assad’s regime less than a fortnight ago, Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, leads the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the primary faction in the rebel coalition.
He urged for the removal of HTS from the list of terrorist organizations, arguing that the group does not engage in targeting civilians and perceives themselves as victims of the Assad regime’s atrocities.
Sharaa refuted claims that he intended to transform Syria into a replica of Afghanistan, citing the distinct societal structures and mindsets of the two countries.
He emphasized his support for women’s education, highlighting the presence of universities in Idlib province under rebel control since 2011, where women comprise over 60% of the student population.
Legal and constitutional matters
When questioned about potentially allowing alcohol consumption, Sharaa deferred, stating that certain issues were legal matters beyond his purview.
He asserted the establishment of a Syrian committee of legal experts tasked with drafting a constitution, ensuring that any future leader must adhere to the rule of law.
Remaining composed throughout the interview and dressed in civilian attire, Sharaa sought to reassure skeptics wary of his group’s past affiliations with extremism.
However, despite his efforts, many Syrians remain unconvinced. The actions taken by Syria’s new leadership in the coming months will serve as a litmus test for the country’s direction and governance principles.
Check also;
- What Iran Is Signalling Since The Fall Of Syria’s Bashar al-Assad
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