Ahmad al-Sharaa, a former militia leader, has become Syria’s interim president after the fall of the Assad regime. Facing crucial challenges from foreign interests and internal factions, he aims to stabilize the country. With backing from Turkey and the Gulf States, there are prospects for rebuilding. However, Iran’s opposition and ongoing sanctions pose significant obstacles to restoring order.
The recent fall of the Assad regime in Syria has placed interim leader Ahmad al-Sharaa at a crucial intersection as he seeks to unify the country. Once known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, he was a leader of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Now, as Syria’s interim president, al-Sharaa is tasked with gaining authority amidst diverse foreign interests and domestic factions struggling for control.
Al-Sharaa’s ascent follows the unexpected defeat of the Assad regime, leading to renewed focus on Syria’s geopolitical importance. Neighboring nations are eager to prevent further chaos, aiming for a stable and unified Syria. Turkey plays an influential role by backing al-Sharaa while seeking to eliminate Kurdish opposition in the region, fostering cooperation with Gulf States, particularly Saudi Arabia, in rebuilding the economy.
The cooperation between Turkey and Saudi Arabia suggests a shift in regional dynamics, where funding from the Gulf could provide essential resources for rebuilding Syria. Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi crown prince, is particularly invested in promoting stability to realize his vision for a modern Saudi economy, supported by investments from Qatar and the UAE.
Iran, however, faces significant setbacks with the regime’s changes. It looks to manage the fallout from losing its ally, Bashar Assad, while still maintaining some leverage in Syrian affairs. Although Tehran claims to accept the new leadership, it also appears to support potential opposition against al-Sharaa, casting doubt on the stability of his government.
Al-Sharaa’s government faces additional challenges due to enduring Western sanctions and Israeli advances into Syrian territory. Elon gates the uncertainty surrounding U.S. foreign policy, especially under the unpredictable nature of former President Trump’s administration, which retains troops in eastern Syria. However, al-Sharaa’s moderate approach may mitigate risks of direct conflict with Israel, reducing immediate threats to his presidency.
Historically, Syria has experienced chronic instability with multiple factions vying for power. Al-Sharaa must assert authority to achieve national unity, yet substantial armed groups still influence various regions. If successful, his leadership could signal a path toward recovery, but the legacy of Syria’s turbulent past necessitates cautious optimism regarding his prospects for establishing a stable government.
Ahmad al-Sharaa’s leadership emerges in a critical juncture for Syria as he endeavors to unify a fragmented nation post-Assad. With backing from significant regional players like Turkey and Saudi Arabia, there are prospects for reconstruction and stabilization. However, challenges from Iran, ongoing sanctions, and the complexities of internal militias or rival factions present serious hurdles. Achieving long-term peace will depend largely on his ability to assert control and navigate foreign influences effectively.
Original Source: www.nzz.ch
