This week marked a notable moment for Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa as he took the stage at the United Nations, generating a sense of fascination and optimism, albeit amidst the complex realities of Syria’s journey towards full international acceptance.
On Wednesday, Alsharaa became the first Syrian head of state to address the UN General Assembly in nearly 60 years. His government framed this appearance as a triumph over an oppressive regime, yet it also emphasized the need for global backing to rebuild after years of violence and oppression.
“Syria is shifting from being a source of crisis to becoming a potential opportunity for peace, both for Syria and the surrounding region,” stated the interim president.
Alsharaa’s historic presence in New York highlighted his evolution from an extremist figure to a political leader, having led the revolution that ousted longtime dictator Bashar Assad back in December.
“I believe Syria is at a crucial juncture. Ahmed al-Sharaa is a leader suited for this moment,” noted Kenneth Pollak, the vice president of policy at the Middle East Institute (MEI). The organization hosted Alsharaa on Tuesday for a panel discussion in Midtown Manhattan, which attracted nearly 300 attendees, exceeding the venue’s capacity.
Just a day earlier, Alsharaa spoke at the Concordia Summit held at the Sheraton Hotel in Times Square. Many attendees witnessed how a man once detained by American troops in Iraq had transformed into a revolutionary symbol for his country.
Alsharaa, speaking softly in Arabic during a discussion with Ret. General David Petraeus, former CIA director and US military commander in Iraq, emphasized that “A leader needs optimism and a firm belief in defending a noble cause.”
Interestingly, despite being designated a terrorist by the US, both former President Biden and President Trump have sought engagement with Alsharaa.
In December, Biden rescinded the $10 million reward for Alsharaa’s capture, and Trump expressed intentions to lift all US sanctions on Syria earlier this year. The Trump administration had also considered removing the terrorist designation from Alsharaa’s extremist group, Heiat Tahrir al-Sham.
Alsharaa’s main theme during his New York presentations was his resolve to reintegrate Syria into the global community after decades of seclusion. However, he cautioned that meaningful progress would be unattainable without comprehensive relief from US sanctions imposed under the Caesar Syrian Civil Protection Law, which allows for temporary waivers.
“The Caesar Act, supported by previous administrations, has inflicted suffering and violated human rights,” Alsharaa remarked at the Concordia Summit, underscoring the need to lift such sanctions.
Some advocates argue that any sanctions relief should come with appropriate safeguards.
“We have to ensure our commitments are met,” stated the American Alawis Association, a group dedicated to defending Syrian ethnic minorities. They called for protections for minority communities and measures against terrorism.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) is leading efforts in Congress to abolish the Caesar sanctions, which may be addressed in the upcoming National Defense Authorization Act expected to pass in December.
Proponents of the sanctions’ removal are cautioning against potential opposition from Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), but Shaheen recently reported a bipartisan agreement in favor of reform.
Alsharaa tempered expectations regarding the speed of recovery in Syria. He was asked how he could assure security in a nation scarred by nearly 14 years of civil war and recent surges in sectarian violence.
“Many friends returning to Syria express concerns about safety. They say the area remains unstable,” said Reham Sannoufi, 52, who came from Canada to meet with Syrian leaders. “While we’re excited about this new phase, we know it’s a long road ahead. Change won’t happen overnight.”
There’s a palpable energy among attendees at the MEI event, which drew high-level business and diplomatic figures, alongside journalists and policy experts.
Although conversations were not permitted, one attendee shared Alsharaa’s comments via FaceTime, capturing the excitement in the room as young and old alike gathered to listen.
Hind Kabawat, the Syrian Minister of Social Affairs and Labor and the only woman in the cabinet, accompanied the delegation and characterized their presence as a victory for their revolution.
“We aim to convey a message of love and inclusivity from Syria,” she emphasized, highlighting the urgent need for lifting sanctions to support the 90% of Syrians living in poverty. “Economic stability requires lifting these sanctions,” she noted.
With American support, Alsharaa is working towards establishing ties with Israel, symbolizing Syria’s leap forward from historical enmity, aiming to shake off its prior image as a safe haven for groups perceived as threats by Israel.
Last week, Alsharaa spoke from Damascus about potential plans for border trade with Israel, yet in New York, he accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of hindering progress.
“We pose no threat to any nation, including Israel,” he said during the discussions. “Our fears are directed at Israel, not the other way around.”
Syria’s leaders maintain that they will keep channels open with all countries, even those that supported Assad in his brutal actions against civilians.
During the Concordia Summit, Alsharaa remarked, “To work effectively with Iran, Hezbollah, and Russia, we must take a strategic approach rather than reactive ones.” He stressed the priority of Syria’s sovereignty, stability, and security, as well as the necessity for international partnerships.
Alsharaa has also laid out plans to uphold and protect the rights of religious and ethnic minorities while aiming to establish a representative government, taking into consideration past injustices under Assad’s regime.
“Our pacing is quicker compared to experiences like those in Iraq or post-World War II Germany,” he said. “We’re making headway, but the transition period is expected to span five years.”
Pollak viewed Alsharaa’s presence in New York as a critical opportunity to shift perceptions and reassure stakeholders of his commitment to transforming Syria. “There may be further opportunities, but it’s difficult to predict,” he acknowledged. “When moments like this arise, they shouldn’t be wasted.”
