Ahmed Al-Sharaa: The Unlikely Diplomat
At this year’s UN General Assembly in New York, the spotlight was on Ahmed Al-Sharaa, previously an al-Qaeda commander and now serving as Syria’s president. It was quite the turnaround, really.
On September 24th, he delivered his first speech as president at the assembly since 1967, urging international aid and the lifting of sanctions on his nation. Interestingly, he also had a second meeting with Trump, following their 33-minute chat during Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia a few months prior.
Al-Sharaa’s administration has notably shifted since last December when he assumed command from Bashar Assad’s regime. He has surprisingly adopted a pragmatic approach towards both Israel and the United States. In what seems like a bid to gain favor, he mentioned wanting to provide Syrians with “a great opportunity” as most US sanctions have reportedly been relaxed.
However, the situation back home is grim. Reports indicate that Al-Sharaa’s forces have committed atrocities against minority groups like the Druze and Alawi. The US has made it clear that further benefits will be contingent on how Al-Sharaa addresses these domestic issues.
Upon arriving in New York as a diplomat, he made headlines meeting with figures such as former CIA director David Petraeus, and leaders from Italy, France, the EU, and Ukraine. These interactions mark a notable reentry for Syria onto the global stage, with Al-Sharaa being perceived as a potential guide for the nation.
Yet, his past raises eyebrows. He celebrated the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, expressing sentiments like, “You humiliated the arrogance of the Zionist occupiers.” Contradictorily, since taking power, he has claimed to want “no conflict” with Israel and is rumored to be on the cusp of signing a security agreement with them, referring to it as a “necessity.”
This shift comes amidst ongoing Israeli airstrikes and incursions in Syria. In earlier discussions, Trump suggested that normalization with Israel could eventually happen if Syria engages positively.
From a diplomatic standpoint alone, it might seem Al-Sharaa is on the right path to gaining the US’s trust. But maintaining control over more than half of Syria raises critical questions about internal stability. The potential for renewed civil war looms as violence continues.
Al-Sharaa previously pledged to create “a comprehensive transitional government that represents the diversity of Syria.” However, the constitution drafted under his administration lacks input from significant groups like the Kurds or Druze, consolidating power in his hands. This undermines accountability, especially with him holding authority over legislative and judicial appointments.
Al-Sharaa has integrated Sunni factions into a new Syrian military, increasingly promoting foreign jihadists to leadership roles. Some observers suggest that this shift reflects a system where loyalty to the ideological state supersedes everything else.
Sadly, the integration of these extremists hasn’t brought about restraint. Reports confirm their involvement in the tragic killings of Alawis and Druze earlier this year. Such acts only deepen the mistrust between Al-Sharaa’s administration and various minority communities, leading to calls for autonomy from the Kurds, and complete independence from the Druze.
Al-Sharaa once expressed a desire for peace and accountability for genocidal acts. The US’s support might hinge, not just on morality, but on the strategic importance of a stable Syrian government capable of countering terrorism and improving relations with Israel. While restructuring his country, Al-Sharaa should also heed the call for fair treatment of minorities and accountability, as this is crucial for both US relations and Syria’s future.
