Ahmed al-Sharaa's Diplomatic Challenge: Turning Goodwill into Tangible Results for Syria

Since assuming the presidency of Syria on January 29, 2025, Ahmed al-Sharaa, the former leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, has embarked on an ambitious diplomatic agenda, making 21 international trips to 13 countries. His engagements include attending the UN General Assembly and climate change conferences, alongside numerous Arab summits. A significant moment occurred when envoys from all 15 members of the UN Security Council visited Damascus, marking a rare display of unity regarding Syria, a country that has been deeply divided in international discussions since 2011.

The Guardian

The backdrop of Sharaa's presidency is a Syria that has endured nearly 1,000 Israeli airstrikes and over 600 ground incursions, leaving it in a precarious military position. The country is also grappling with the aftermath of a prolonged civil conflict, which has led to a complex geopolitical landscape involving various external actors, including the United States, Israel, Iran, and Turkey.

The Guardian

Sharaa's diplomatic efforts have garnered the support of U.S. President Donald Trump, who has expressed a commitment to making Syria successful, emphasizing the importance of peace in the Middle East. Trump has met with Sharaa multiple times, including a notable visit to the White House, where he downplayed Sharaa's controversial past and highlighted the potential for a prosperous Syria.

The Guardian

Despite the goodwill and investment pledges, including over $6 billion from Saudi Arabia, Sharaa faces significant challenges. He must navigate internal reconciliation while managing external pressures from Israel and Turkey. Israel remains concerned about Islamist threats emanating from Syria, while Turkey is focused on the Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which it views as a security threat. Sharaa's efforts to integrate the SDF into a national army have stalled, complicating the situation further.

The Guardian

Trump has urged Israel to maintain a constructive dialogue with Syria, warning against actions that could destabilize the region further. He has suggested that weakening Sharaa could exacerbate extremism in Syria. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated a willingness to establish a security agreement with Syria, contingent on Sharaa creating a demilitarized buffer zone.

The Guardian

Critics argue that Sharaa's past as a jihadist leader raises concerns about his ability to lead a unified Syria. The skepticism is compounded by the ongoing violence and instability in the region, which many believe undermines any potential for genuine reconciliation and progress.

The Guardian

The future of Syria hinges on Sharaa's ability to translate international goodwill into tangible benefits for the Syrian people, including lifted sanctions and improved internal stability. The resolution of the Kurdish issue in Turkey may also play a crucial role in shaping Syria's path forward, as it could alleviate external pressures and foster a more stable environment for Sharaa's leadership.

The Guardian

• “With his usual stream of consciousness, Trump continued: “We’ll do everything we can to make Syria successful, because that’s part of the Middle East.” — Donald Trump, President of the United States

The Guardian

• “At a time, we were in combat and now we move to discourse.” — Ahmed al-Sharaa, President of Syria

The Guardian