In brief
In a recent BBC interview, Ahmed al-Sharaa, the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and a key figure in recent regime changes in Syria, emphasized the exhaustion of the nation after years of conflict, asserting that Syria poses no threat to its neighbors or to the West.
Sharaa, who played a pivotal role in the offensive against Bashar al-Assad's regime, urged for the removal of sanctions that, he argues, unfairly target the general population. "The victim and the oppressor should not be treated in the same way," he stated, advocating for a fresh start as the country moves forward from war.The leader called for the de-listing of HTS from terrorist designations, explaining that the organization does not target civilians and should be seen as a victim of the Assad regime's crimes. Sharaa highlighted their commitment to education and women's rights, claiming that over 60% of university students in Idlib are women.When discussing the future of Syria, Sharaa promised the establishment of a legal framework guided by experts to draft a constitution, reinforcing that any future leader will be bound by law. He emphasized the differences between Syrian and Afghan societies, aiming to reassure the public of his group’s intentions for a stable and democratic governance.His claims, however, have raised skepticism among many Syrians. The unfolding actions of the new leadership will be key to understanding the direction Syria will take and the nature of the governmental structure they plan to implement moving forward.
