Ahmed al-Sharaa, the leader of HTS, stated in a BBC interview that Syria is exhausted from war and poses no threat to neighboring countries or the West. He called for sanctions to be lifted and argued for HTS to be de-listed as a terrorist organization, asserting they are victims of the Assad regime and not a threat to civilians. Al-Sharaa emphasized the differences between Syria and Afghanistan, aiming to reshape the narrative around his group.
In an exclusive interview with the BBC, Ahmed al-Sharaa, the de facto leader of Syria and head of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), emphasized that Syria is currently not a threat to its neighbors or the West. He expressed that the nation is weary from years of conflict and urged for the lifting of sanctions imposed on Syria. Sharaa, who previously led a successful offensive against Bashar al-Assad’s regime, stated that the HTS, a group previously associated with al-Qaeda, should be re-evaluated and de-listed as a terrorist organization, asserting that they target neither civilians nor civilian structures. He positioned HTS as victims of the Assad regime’s crimes rather than perpetrators, and stressed that the group does not aspire to replicate Afghanistan’s conditions, noting significant cultural distinctions between the two nations. Sharaa’s relaxed demeanor in the interview aimed to alleviate concerns regarding HTS’s past extremities, though skepticism remains among many Syrians regarding his reassurances. The forthcoming actions of the new ruling entities in Syria will be critical in determining the future governance and direction of the country.
The interview with Ahmed al-Sharaa sheds light on the current state of Syria following years of civil war and shifting power dynamics. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, once affiliated with al-Qaeda, has evolved amid the conflict and is now seeking to redefine its image and legitimacy on both national and international fronts. Al-Sharaa’s remarks reflect a broader effort within HTS to align itself with a non-terrorist identity and engage diplomatically, especially concerning Western sanctions and relations.
In conclusion, Ahmed al-Sharaa’s assertions regarding Syria’s status and the HTS’s intentions represent a pivotal moment for the region. His call for the lifting of sanctions and the reclassification of HTS could shape both domestic governance and international perceptions of Syria. Nonetheless, the skepticism from the Syrian populace indicates the complexity of rebuilding trust and establishing a stable future, marking the importance of the actions undertaken by Syria’s new leadership in the coming months.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
