Syrian Leader Ahmed Sharaa Gains Global Support Amid Domestic Struggles

UPDATE: Syrian leader Ahmed Sharaa is gaining international recognition following a pivotal meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. However, challenges at home persist, threatening Sharaa’s credibility and future.

In a significant turn of events, Sharaa met with Trump on November 12, 2023, marking the first time a Syrian leader has engaged with the White House in years. This meeting signals a potential shift in the long-strained U.S.-Syria relations that have fluctuated under the Assad regime. Trump praised Sharaa as “a strong leader,” signaling U.S. support for economic and security reforms in Syria.

At the core of Sharaa’s agenda is the urgent removal of sanctions imposed during the rule of his predecessor, Bashar Assad, who was overthrown on December 8, 2024. While Congress controls the lifting of the Caesar Act, Sharaa negotiated a temporary 180-day suspension of some sanctions, granting him crucial breathing room.

Sharaa also emphasized his commitment to the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State, as Syria officially became the 90th country to join the fight against terrorism. This move aims to distance his administration from extremist groups and foster a new era of cooperation with the West.

Despite these advancements, Sharaa’s domestic challenges loom large. Political analysts warn that his ability to maintain stability and foster unity at home will ultimately define his leadership. Radwan Ziadeh, a Syrian activist, stresses that internal cohesion is Sharaa’s most pressing challenge. “Sharaa’s biggest challenge today is internal, not external,” he stated.

In the backdrop of international support, Sharaa is also facing the complex issue of peace negotiations with Israel. The proposed security agreement remains ambiguous, as Israel seeks to alter longstanding territorial agreements established in 1974. Ziadeh argues that U.S. pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is necessary to advance talks and facilitate peace.

The potential for Syria to join the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations, raises further questions. Nizar Ghanem, a noted researcher, acknowledges a “qualitative shift” in U.S.-Syrian relations but warns that clarity on mutual agreements is still lacking.

As Sharaa navigates these international waters, he must simultaneously address dire domestic issues. With nearly 90% of Syrians living below the poverty line, there is a growing sense of urgency for economic recovery. “We have the prices of Las Vegas and the services of Somalia,” locals lament, highlighting the dire state of public services and economic stability.

Sharaa’s government, still in its infancy, faces scrutiny regarding its vision for Syria’s future. Will it cultivate a democratic system or slip into authoritarianism? The path remains unclear, as the government struggles with the dual challenges of political legitimacy and post-war reconstruction.

The international community’s response will be crucial in shaping Syria’s trajectory. Experts insist that timely support for reconstruction efforts is essential to prevent further unrest. “The international community should not abandon Syria again,” Ziadeh emphasized.

As developments unfold, all eyes are on Sharaa. His ability to successfully lead Syria through this transformative period could reshape the nation’s standing both regionally and on the global stage. The next steps he takes could determine not only his future but also the hope and stability of the Syrian people.