Syria’s Sharaa Gains Global Support Amidst Domestic Struggles

UPDATE: In a groundbreaking meeting on November 12, 2023, Syrian leader Ahmed Sharaa has garnered significant international recognition during his visit to the White House, yet critical challenges loom at home. This pivotal encounter with U.S. President Donald Trump marks a crucial step in the effort to restore U.S.-Syrian relations, which have been fraught with tension for decades.

Sharaa, the first Syrian head of state to engage with a U.S. president since the Assad era, was described by Trump as “a strong leader.” The president emphasized his commitment to support Syria’s recovery and stability, which is essential for both nations moving forward. However, Sharaa’s most pressing issue remains the removal of sanctions imposed under former president Bashar Assad.

During the meeting, which focused on economic and security matters, Sharaa secured a 180-day suspension of the Caesar Act sanctions, although only Congress has the authority to lift them permanently. This temporary reprieve is crucial as Syria aims to revitalize its economy and restore normalcy after years of conflict.

Sharaa’s move away from his previous Islamist affiliations and his decision to join the U.S.-led coalition against ISIS signal a significant shift for Syria, marking it as the 90th country to join the anti-terror coalition. He described this moment as ushering in “a new era” of cooperation with the United States.

Despite these advancements, Sharaa faces an uphill battle. Political analysts point out that his success hinges on addressing domestic issues, particularly fostering a credible political process and achieving national reconciliation. Nizar Ghanem, director of Triangle Consulting in Beirut, highlighted the qualitative shift in U.S.-Syria relations, but questioned, “In exchange for what?”

The potential for a security agreement between Syria and Israel also hangs in the balance, with Sharaa’s administration advocating for a return to the 1974 disengagement line. Yet, as activist Radwan Ziadeh noted, Israel’s reluctance to restore this agreement complicates the negotiations. “What is needed is more U.S. pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the internal landscape in Syria remains precarious. With nearly 90% of the population living below the poverty line, there is growing concern that failure to manage post-war reconstruction could lead to widespread unrest. The Syrian government, still emerging from the shadows of war, is described as “weak and vulnerable,” struggling to attract necessary investment and support from the global community.

Sharaa’s leadership is characterized by a “different mindset,” as he works to integrate Syria back into the international fold. However, as Ghanem cautioned, “He is still under test,” and his ability to deliver on promises of reform will ultimately determine his leadership legacy.

As the world watches this evolving situation, the focus remains on whether Sharaa can unite a fractured nation and pave the way for a sustainable political system. The stakes are high, as the future of Syria hinges on his capacity to navigate the complex web of domestic and international expectations.

In light of these developments, the urgency for the international community to engage with Syria is paramount. As Ziadeh poignantly remarked, “The international community should not abandon Syria again and must help with reconstruction now to give hope to the Syrian people.” The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the trajectory of Sharaa’s leadership and Syria’s path forward.