New Chapter for Syria as President Ahmed Al-Sharaa Addresses UN After 58-Year Hiatus

Ahmed Al-Sharaa, Syria's new interim President, on Wednesday, becoming the first Syrian head of state to address the international body in 58 years.

UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK: Syria's new interim President, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, made a historic appearance at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Wednesday, becoming the first Syrian head of state to address the international body in 58 years. His nine-minute speech, a mix of hope and urgency, marked a significant turning point for a nation ravaged by a decade of civil war and international isolation.

The moment was particularly poignant given Al-Sharaa's past. Less than a year ago, the United States Department of State had a $10 million bounty on his head, designating him a terrorist under his former name, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, the leader of the militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). His rise from a former Al-Qaeda-linked fighter to Syria's president has been a subject of intense international scrutiny and a testament to the dramatic political upheaval in the country.

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A New Direction for Syria

In his address, President Al-Sharaa framed Syria’s journey as a story of "struggle between good and evil," emphasizing that the nation was "reclaiming its rightful place among the nations of the world." He urged the global community to lift the long-standing economic sanctions that have crippled the Syrian economy, arguing that they "shackle the Syrian people."

Al-Sharaa’s ascension to power in January, following the ousting of the Assad regime, brought an end to the five-decade rule of the controversial family. In his speech, he highlighted the immediate steps his interim government has taken to restore stability, including the establishment of new institutions, preparations for future elections, and efforts to attract foreign investment.

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The shift in international policy towards post-Assad Syria was underscored by the United States' decision in July to remove HTS from its list of "foreign terrorist organisations," a move that signaled a major diplomatic recalibration.

Foreign Policy Shifts

Beyond domestic reforms, President Al-Sharaa used the UN platform to signal a new foreign policy direction for Syria, one that appears to be distancing itself from its former Russian ally. While he condemned Israeli airstrikes on Syrian territory and voiced support for the Palestinian people, his most significant diplomatic move came on the sidelines of the UNGA.

Al-Sharaa held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a meeting that culminated in Ukraine formally restoring diplomatic relations with Syria. This move is particularly noteworthy given that the ousted Syrian leader, Bashar al-Assad, was a close ally of Russia and had recognized Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories.

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The restoration of ties with Kyiv is seen by observers as a clear indication that Syria, under its new leadership, is pivoting away from Moscow and seeking to align itself with the international community's position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This strategic realignment suggests that Al-Sharaa’s participation at the UNGA not only put Syria back on the global stage but also offered a glimpse into its future foreign policy trajectory, one that is likely to be far more nuanced and independent than that of his predecessor.