Syria’s New Leader Ahmed Al-Sharaa Discusses Election Timeline and U.S. Sanctions
Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s new leader, forecasts a four-year timeline for elections, contingent upon rewriting the constitution. He emphasizes the importance of ties with Russia and Iran and calls for the lifting of sanctions by the U.S. due to regime change. He believes that the sanctions, imposed due to Assad’s actions, should now be reconsidered.
In a recent interview with Al Arabiya, Syria’s newly appointed leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, discussed the potential timeline for upcoming elections, estimating that the process could span four years. He emphasized the necessity of rewriting the constitution, which might require an additional two to three years. Al-Sharaa underscored the significance of maintaining strong relations with Russia and Iran, asserting that these alliances are vital for the nation’s stability following the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad by his Islamist faction, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Moreover, he expressed optimism regarding the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump, urging the United States to lift sanctions imposed on Syria. He stated, “The sanctions on Syria were issued based on the crimes that the regime committed,” and since Assad’s regime has ended, he believes “these sanctions should be removed automatically.”
The backdrop of this interview involves a major shift in Syrian leadership following the removal of Bashar al-Assad, who had been in power for many years. The Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, to which Ahmed al-Sharaa belongs, has faced significant international scrutiny and is designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, including the United States. Following Assad’s departure, political dialogues concerning the reconstruction of Syrian governance and the lifting of international sanctions are gaining prominence, particularly in the context of evolving U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump.
In summary, Ahmed al-Sharaa has outlined an ambitious plan for political reform in Syria, indicating that the path to elections could extend up to four years. He highlighted the essential role of relationships with key allies, Russia and Iran, while also advocating for the lifting of U.S. sanctions in light of the regime change. His statements suggest a clear desire to redefine Syria’s political landscape and emphasize the need for an updated constitutional framework post-Assad administration.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
