Trudeau congratulated Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s new interim president, despite his leadership of the terrorist organization Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), designated as such by Canada since 2013. HTS overthrew Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024. The conversation included a focus on future governance in Syria, with a hint towards a multicultural society.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau extended congratulations to Ahmed al-Sharaa, the newly appointed interim president of Syria. Notably, al-Sharaa heads Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group that Canada has designated as a terrorist organization since 2013. Under al-Sharaa’s leadership, HTS succeeded in overthrowing Bashar al-Assad’s regime last December, concluding a long-standing dictatorship backed by Russia.
In his communication with al-Sharaa, Trudeau’s office acknowledged the landmark change in Syria’s leadership, emphasizing the end of Assad’s rule. Despite al-Sharaa’s past promises of establishing an Islamic theocracy, he has suggested aspirations for a multicultural Syrian society. Trudeau’s office remains silent regarding any potential re-evaluation of HTS’s status on Canada’s terror list.
Trudeau’s congratulatory message to al-Sharaa raises questions regarding Canada’s stance on HTS, given its classification as a terrorist organization. The move reflects a significant shift in Syrian leadership but provokes discussions about the implications this may have on international relations and domestic policies related to terrorism. It remains to be seen if Canada will reconsider HTS’s designation moving forward.
Original Source: nationalpost.com
