Ahmad Al Shara: A Glimpse into Syria’s New President Through His Childhood Barber
Ahmad Al Shara, Syria’s new president, was described by his childhood barber as a quiet boy who loved football and prayer. His return to his roots after toppling Bashar Al Assad shows a connection to his past. The barber’s reflections highlight a sense of local optimism about Al Shara’s new leadership amidst ongoing political changes.
Ahmad Al Shara, the newly elected president of Syria, was described by his childhood barber, Mohammad Mustafa Ouglo, as a calm and quiet boy who enjoyed playing football and praying at the mosque. This account was shared from Mazzeh, a suburb of Damascus, where the barber has operated his salon since 1989. Mr. Al Shara led an insurgency that recently ousted former president Bashar Al Assad and returned to his childhood neighborhood after years of exile.
Mr. Ouglo reminisced about knowing President Al Shara since childhood, recalling how he played with other children in the streets and kept mostly to himself. His family operated a grocery store and later a real estate business in Mazzeh. After fleeing the area in 2014 due to the civil war, the Al Shara family’s home was taken over by state officers.
During a recent visit to the barber shop, Mr. Al Shara was recognized immediately by Mr. Ouglo, who noted the president’s quiet demeanor. Rather than discussing politics, Mr. Ouglo focused on inquiries about the president’s well-being. The president’s visit was marked by interactions with local citizens who asked about essential services.
The new leader took an interest in revisiting significant places from his past. Mr. Ouglo highlighted that Mr. Al Shara remained the same person as he remembered, showing interest in the barber’s life. Notably, they discussed hairstyle preferences, with the president expressing a desire to maintain his beard style.
After his initial visits, Mr. Al Shara returned to the salon for another haircut. However, following the public announcement of his presidency, such visits ceased. Mr. Ouglo noted that despite being termed “Al Shara’s barber,” he did not experience an uptick in clientele, as many former customers had fled the regime’s fall.
The account of Ahmad Al Shara’s early life as shared by his childhood barber provides insight into his character and the local sentiment towards his presidency. The interactions between the president and the community suggest a desire for connection amidst rapid political change. Mr. Ouglo’s reflections underscore optimism among Syrians regarding their new leader and the potential for a brighter future for the country.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
