Table of Contents
In a recent interview at the Doha Forum, Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa outlined his administration’s commitment to promoting peace and unity in response to ongoing Israeli military actions. His remarks came amid rising tensions in the region, where he accused Israel of fabricating threats to justify its aggressive posture.
During the discussion with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour, al-Sharaa expressed his belief that Israel often distracts from its own transgressions by escalating crises elsewhere. He emphasized that such tactics only serve to deepen regional instability.
Israel’s military actions and Syria’s response
Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in late, Israel has intensified its military operations within Syria, conducting numerous airstrikes and ground assaults. These actions have resulted in significant casualties, including the recent attack in Beit Jinn that left at least 13 dead. Al-Sharaa condemned these aggressions, stating, “Israel has become a country engaged in combat against imaginary foes.”
Calls for respect of historical agreements
President al-Sharaa urged Israel to adhere to the 1974 Disengagement Accord, which was established to facilitate a ceasefire after the October 1973 Yom Kippur War. He highlighted that this agreement, which created a United Nations-monitored buffer zone in the Golan Heights, has been effective for over fifty years. “Tampering with this long-standing arrangement could lead the region into a perilous situation,” he warned.
He challenged the Israeli government’s insistence on establishing a new demilitarized zone, questioning who would ensure the safety of such an area if it were to be implemented. “If Israel fears attacks from southern Syria, then it raises the question of who would protect this proposed zone,” al-Sharaa asserted.
Seeking regional unity and stability
Al-Sharaa also addressed the necessity for unity within Syria, acknowledging both progress and ongoing challenges. He asserted, “Syria is experiencing some of its best days,” while maintaining that achieving total consensus is unrealistic, even in stable nations. He underscored the importance of fostering understanding among various factions within the country.
Addressing societal divisions
In light of the country’s tumultuous past, al-Sharaa emphasized the need for reconciliation. “We have chosen to pardon many individuals and groups to build a sustainable future for all Syrians,” he stated. He rejected the characterization of the uprising against the Assad regime as merely a Sunni revolution, insisting that all segments of Syrian society were involved in the push for change.
Al-Sharaa acknowledged the sectarian violence that erupted earlier this year, notably affecting the Alawite community. He stressed that the new government is committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of all citizens, despite the challenges posed by past grievances.
The role of women in Syria’s future
Women’s rights under the current administration were also a topic of discussion. Al-Sharaa asserted that women are now empowered and their rights are safeguarded. “We strive for full participation of women in our government and parliament,” he remarked, adding humorously, “You should worry more about Syrian men than women!”
Looking ahead, al-Sharaa reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening Syria’s institutions over centralizing power. He indicated that elections would be held following the completion of the ongoing transitional period, emphasizing the importance of the populace selecting their leaders. “This principle is deeply rooted in our beliefs, including our religious tenets,” he noted.
In conclusion, President al-Sharaa’s remarks reflect a commitment to navigating Syria through the complexities of both external threats and internal divisions. His administration’s focus on peace, stability, and democracy aims to foster a brighter future for a country long plagued by conflict.