Syria’s Sharaa Faces Challenge of Winning Trust at Home
BEIRUT: One year after overthrowing Bashar Assad, Ahmed Al-Sharaa has successfully restored Syria’s position on the international stage and secured the easing of major sanctions.
However, experts warn that his biggest challenge lies within Syria, as he works to gain trust among citizens.
Sectarian violence in Alawite and Druze regions, coupled with ongoing Israeli military activity, has unsettled the country while President Sharaa attempts to lead Syria out of 14 years of conflict.
“Syria has embarked on a new chapter that many thought impossible,” said Nanar Hawach, senior Syria analyst at the International Crisis Group, noting renewed diplomatic ties and foreign investments. He added, “International recognition means little if Syrians do not feel safe in their own streets.”
US President Donald Trump has publicly praised the 43-year-old leader—a notable rise for a former militant who once faced a US bounty due to past links with Al-Qaeda.
Since his alliance toppled Assad on December 8 last year, Sharaa has visited capitals across the Gulf, Europe, and the US. Washington and the UN Security Council have removed him from their terrorism and sanctions lists, and a UN delegation recently visited Damascus.
The United States, the European Union, and Britain have lifted major economic sanctions, while Syria has announced investment agreements for infrastructure, transport, and energy. Sharaa has even met Russian officials, despite Russia having once targeted his forces during the war.
“Haraa has gained internationally, but his true test is at home,” Hawach said.
NEWS DESK
PRESS UPDATE