AHMED AL-SHARAMA URGES SANCTIONS LIFT FOR SYRIA'S RECONSTRUCTION

Ahmed al-Sharaa, the de facto leader of Syria and head of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has called for the lifting of international sanctions imposed on the country. In a recent interview, he emphasized that Syria no longer poses a threat to its neighbours or the West and urged the international community to remove the punitive measures. 

Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, led the offensive that resulted in the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad's regime. Under his leadership, HTS has been a dominant force in Syria's rebel alliance. Despite its origins as a splinter group of al-Qaeda, HTS claims to have severed those ties in 2016. However, it remains designated as a terrorist organization by entities including the UN, US, EU, and UK. 

In his appeal, Sharaa argued that the sanctions, initially imposed on the former regime, should now be lifted in light of the current circumstances. The victim and the oppressor should not be treated in the same way." He also denied intentions to transform Syria into an Islamist state akin to Afghanistan, asserting that HTS does not target civilians and considers itself a victim of the Assad regime's crimes. 

The international community has shown cautious interest in engaging with Syria's new leadership. France recently raised its flag at its Damascus embassy for the first time in 12 years, signaling a potential shift in diplomatic relations. Other Western nations, including Britain and Germany, are initiating dialogues with Syrian officials. The European Union is also contemplating re-establishing contacts, though HTS's terrorist designation remains a significant obstacle. 

Sharaa has proposed the disbandment of various rebel factions to form a unified national army, aiming to stabilize the country and facilitate the return of refugees. He emphasized the necessity of lifting sanctions to aid Syria's reconstruction and to encourage displaced citizens to come back home.

 

The situation in Syria remains complex, with the international community deliberating on the appropriate course of action. While there is recognition of the need for humanitarian assistance and rebuilding efforts, concerns persist regarding HTS's past affiliations and the future governance of Syria.