Watch: Syria’s Ahmed al-Sharaa Dismisses Global Threat Claims

[Social Media]

 

Syria poses no danger to its neighbors or the Western world, according to Ahmed al-Sharaa, the de facto leader of the country. In a candid interview with the BBC in Damascus, al-Sharaa, who recently led a rapid offensive that toppled Bashar al-Assad's regime, discussed Syria’s future and the challenges it faces.  

 

"The country is exhausted by war," al-Sharaa said, emphasizing that sanctions on Syria should now be lifted. "Now, after all that has happened, sanctions must be lifted because they were targeted at the old regime. The victim and the oppressor should not be treated in the same way."  

 

Al-Sharaa, the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has been a controversial figure. Formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, he rose to prominence as the head of HTS, a group initially linked to al-Qaeda before severing ties in 2016. Despite its history, al-Sharaa insisted that HTS should no longer be considered a terrorist organization.  

 

"We are not a terrorist group," he stated, asserting that HTS does not target civilians or civilian areas. "In fact, we are victims of the crimes of the Assad regime."  

 

Al-Sharaa also dismissed concerns that Syria under HTS leadership would mirror Afghanistan, pointing out key cultural and societal differences. "Afghanistan is a tribal society," he said. "In Syria, we have a different mindset and traditions."  

 

On the topic of women’s rights, al-Sharaa stressed the importance of education. "We've had universities in Idlib for more than eight years," he said, highlighting that women make up a significant portion of the student body. "I think the percentage of women in universities is more than 60%."  

 

When asked about contentious issues such as alcohol consumption, al-Sharaa deferred the matter to future legal frameworks. "There are many things I just don't have the right to talk about because they are legal issues," he said. He emphasized that a "Syrian committee of legal experts" would draft a constitution, ensuring any leader adheres to the rule of law.  

 

Throughout the interview, al-Sharaa appeared calm and approachable, dressed in civilian clothing. He made consistent efforts to reassure skeptics who believe HTS has not fully abandoned its extremist roots.  

 

However, skepticism among Syrians remains high. Many are unconvinced by al-Sharaa’s promises and await the actions of the new rulers to determine the true direction of Syria. The coming months will be critical in shaping the nation’s future and proving whether the country can truly distance itself from its turbulent past.

 

 

Based on a report by BBC 2024-12-20

 

 

 

[JemJem]

Liar liar, pants on fire. 

 

Actually, Syrian situation poses a very serious risk, not just to many ordinary Syrians, in terms of democracy, secularism and human rights (especially women's rights) but also to people in some neighboring countries too. Also, of course, there is every chance it poses a security risk to the world overall. 

 

I have read someone remarking something like 'Syria will be like Afghanistan light'. I see what he means, but the dynamics are very different. Probably, it will be more like a mixture of Afghanistan and maybe for example Libya. 

 

Now, the jihadis basically control most parts of Syria. No one knows how long other groups who control the remaining parts of Syria can hold on against the jihadis, who will become more organised and weaponised soon gradually. There are also foreign intruding armies present which have no intention of leaving anytime soon. What can go wrong?! Gees. A LOT can and possibly will go wrong. 

[mfd101]

He has the appearance (in the interview) of being intelligent & civilized.

 

Given the horrors of the last regime - over 50 years of it - the notion that all will be just fine after 3 months is ridiculous. Syria is hugely complex as to ethnic groups & religions. And deep history going back 3000 years. We can only sit back and watch the new people as they struggle to revive a terrorized nation. And wish them all the best.

 

Foreign interference - Russian, Iranian, Israeli, US - will complicate things, though the first 2 look to be greatly weakened, possibly terminally.

[AndreasHG]

I can only wish to Syria a future of peace, prosperity and democracy.

Especially democracy would be a first in an Arab world dominated by unelected tyrants, more or less blood thirsty, but always unelected.

Israel would have nothing to fear from a democratic and free Syria.

Time to lift the sanctions, maybe subject to some conditions aimed at protecting Israel and the security of the Western countries, but without limiting the Syrian rights to self government. It’s up to them to decide if and how alcohol might be consumed. And it’s up to them to determine what role Syrian women might have in the country.

One thing I know for sure is that Afghans, the majority of them who live in the countryside, are thousands years behind Syrians. They are not even comparable.

Let’s help Syria rebuild itself and make of it an example that can inspire future generations of Arabs, and prove that personal freedom, civil rights, rule of law and a moderate, enlightened Islam can coexist.

Let us not fall into the trap of extremists who would like the West to be perpetually at war with the Muslim world.

 

 

[mfd101]

I must say that the British interviewer appears arrogant, condescending & fairly stupid.