Syria’s Ahmed al-Sharaa Affirms Nation Is No Threat to Global Stability
In a BBC interview, HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa emphasized that Syria poses no threat to its neighbors or the West. He called for the lifting of sanctions and argued that his group should no longer be designated as terrorists, highlighting that their operations did not target civilians. Sharaa stressed the differences between Syrian and Afghan societies, emphasizing educational opportunities for women.
Ahmed al-Sharaa, the de facto leader of Syria and head of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), recently asserted in an exclusive BBC interview that Syria is currently exhausted by war and poses no threat to its neighbors or the West. Sharaa, whose group played a pivotal role in the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime less than two weeks prior, called for the lifting of sanctions crippling Syria. He emphasized that HTS should be removed from the list of designated terrorist organizations, arguing that their actions have not targeted civilians. Sharaa defended HTS’s actions by stating that they view themselves as victims of the Assad regime’s brutality. He further claimed that the context of Syria and Afghanistan is vastly different, particularly regarding societal structure and values, asserting his commitment to women’s education.
The statement from Ahmed al-Sharaa comes against the backdrop of Syria’s long and devastating civil war, which has led to immense suffering and instability within the country and in the broader region. HTS emerged as a notable faction after splitting from al-Qaeda in 2016. Their designation as a terrorist organization reflects international concerns regarding extremism, yet Sharaa’s comments suggest a desire for normalization and rehabilitation in the eyes of the global community following recent military successes against the Assad regime.
In conclusion, Ahmed al-Sharaa’s claims present a narrative of transformation for Syria, advocating for the lifting of sanctions and the reconsideration of HTS’s status as a terrorist organization. Whether this perspective gains traction will depend on the actions of the new leadership in Syria and their ability to allay fears regarding their commitment to governance and civil society.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
