Syria’s Sharaa Gains Global Support Amid Domestic Challenges

UPDATE: On November 12, 2024, Syrian leader Ahmed Sharaa made history as the first Syrian head of state to visit the White House, meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump three times in just six months. This pivotal meeting marks a significant shift in U.S.-Syrian relations, yet Sharaa faces monumental challenges at home that could define his leadership.

The closed-door discussions with Trump focused primarily on economic and security issues. Sharaa’s urgent priority is the complete removal of sanctions imposed during the regime of his predecessor, Bashar Assad, who was ousted on December 8, 2024. In a notable development, Sharaa secured a 180-day suspension of the sanctions under the Caesar Act, though only Congress has the authority to lift them permanently.

By distancing himself from his past affiliations with jihadist groups, Sharaa joined the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State, making Syria the 90th country to join this alliance. He described his visit as ushering in “a new era” of cooperation with the United States.

Trump, who has expressed strong support for Sharaa’s transition, faces pressure to facilitate talks regarding a potential security agreement between Syria and Israel. However, the details of such an agreement remain vague, as Israel is resistant to restoring the disengagement line established in 1974. Syrian activist Radwan Ziadeh emphasized that Israel’s desire to alter the status quo is unacceptable and called for more U.S. pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“What is needed is more U.S. pressure on Israel to recognize that it cannot change the facts on the ground,”

Ziadeh stated, highlighting that Sharaa’s government seeks peace with its neighbors, including Israel, while requesting a return to the 1974 disengagement line, leaving the Golan Heights for future agreements.

Experts note a “qualitative shift” in relations between Washington and Damascus as Sharaa pivots away from Assad’s alliances with Iran and China towards the U.S.-Turkish-Gulf camp. Research director Nizar Ghanem questioned what concessions Sharaa offered in exchange for lifted sanctions, underscoring the lack of clarity surrounding Syria’s future in the Abraham Accords.

Ghanem described Sharaa as a “skilled player” navigating the complex regional landscape but cautioned that he is still under scrutiny. “He has been given the green light, and now he needs to deliver,” Ghanem noted, emphasizing that Sharaa’s success hinges on establishing a credible political process and achieving national reconciliation.

Sharaa’s biggest challenge is internal; 90% of Syrians live below the poverty line, with many expressing despair over rising costs and dwindling resources. A saying circulating in Damascus underscores this dire situation: “We have the prices of Las Vegas and the services of Somalia.”

Without a stable government capable of executing necessary reforms, Syria risks continued isolation and unrest. Ziadeh warned, “If there is no pathway to reconstruction, it could lead to widespread social and political unrest.”

The international community is urged not to abandon Syria again. With nearly 90% of the population still suffering, the need for reconstruction and support from abroad is critical. “The international community must help with reconstruction now to give hope to the Syrian people,” Ziadeh stressed.

As developments unfold, Sharaa’s leadership will be tested not only on the international stage but profoundly within Syria itself. The world watches closely as this new chapter in Syrian history unfolds.