Ahmed al-Sharaa Outlines His Vision to Transform Syria Into a Modern Democracy

From opposition figure to Head of State, Ahmed al-Sharaa discusses his comprehensive plans to transform Syria into a modern Arab democracy. In an extended interview, Al Jazeera's Ali Al Dafiri speaks with al-Sharaa regarding his vision for the nation following the December 2024 collapse of the 53-year rule by the al-Assad dynasty, which fell to overwhelming armed opposition led by Abu Mohammed al-Julani, the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.

Following the ouster and flight of Bashar al-Assad to Russia, al-Julani assumed power as President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Over the subsequent months, his administration successfully re-established diplomatic ties with the regional and global community after decades of fractures. Al Dafiri questions al-Sharaa on strategies to revitalize a country where social development and economic progress stagnated due to mounting Western sanctions and isolation.

During the discussion, al-Sharaa details a potential security agreement with Israel, stating he will remain uninvolved in military actions in Lebanon or the disarmament of Hezbollah. He also highlights achievements in resolving long-standing conflicts between Syria and its Kurdish community. Ultimately, his governing vision centers on the gradual restoration of Syrian democracy following decades of authoritarian rule.