victims of the Assad regime’s crimes

Syrian Government Calls for Relief from sanctions Following Political Changes

Syria‘s new leadership is appealing for the removal of international sanctions, citing recent political developments as justification.This move signals a potential shift in the country’s diplomatic landscape after years of conflict.

Rejecting Comparisons to Afghanistan

When asked about the situation in Afghanistan, Syria’s Foreign Minister, Faisal Mekdad, stated, “Syria is not Afghanistan.” mekdad emphasized the unique context of the Syrian situation, indicating a desire to forge its own path.

US Engagement with Syria’s New Leadership

Adding further complexity to the situation, a high-level US delegation recently visited Syria. This visit underscores the evolving international interest in Syria’s political future and the potential for renewed diplomatic engagement.

Calls for Inclusive Governance Grow

As Syria seeks relief from sanctions and navigates a changing political landscape, calls for an inclusive government are gaining momentum. This suggests a desire for a more representative and stable political system in the war-torn nation.

Syria’s New Leader Calls for Peace and End to Sanctions

In a surprising turn of events, Ahmed al-Sharaa, the newly installed leader of Syria, has declared his nation’s desire for peace and assured the international community that Syria poses no threat to its neighbors or western nations.This statement follows a recent visit by US officials to Sharaa, signaling a potential shift in relations between Syria and the West. Speaking in a December 21, 2024, interview with the *BBC*, Sharaa emphasized Syria’s war-weariness and called for the lifting of sanctions imposed on the country. “Syria poses no threat to its neighbors or Western nations,” he stated.

Lifting Sanctions: A Call for Change After Regime Ouster

In the wake of a swift and decisive military operation,the leader of the rebel alliance,Ahmed al-sharaa,formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani,has called for the lifting of sanctions against the nation. Al-Sharaa, who now heads Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the dominant force within the rebel coalition, argues that these sanctions were originally imposed on the previous regime and should not be applied to the current situation. “Now, after everything that has happened, sanctions must be lifted because they were aimed at the old regime,” he stated. “Victims and oppressors should not be treated the same way.” Al-Sharaa’s statement comes less than two weeks after the rebel alliance successfully ousted the Assad regime in a rapid offensive.

HTS: A Controversial Entity on the Global Stage

The status of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) within the global community remains a complex and contested issue. While some advocate for its removal from international terrorist lists, others remain deeply wary of its past associations and ideology. One prominent voice calling for HTS’s de-listing is [Name withheld]. this individual argues that HTS should no longer be classified as a terrorist organization by entities like the United Nations, the United States, the European Union, and the UK. [Name withheld]’s stance stems from several key points. Firstly, HTS formally severed ties with al-Qaeda in 2016, signaling a potential shift in its ideology and objectives. Secondly, [Name withheld] asserts that HTS does not target civilians or civilian infrastructure, differentiating itself from other groups that engage in such tactics. Instead, [Name withheld] paints HTS as primarily a victim of the Syrian regime’s actions, suggesting that its focus is on opposing the Assad government rather than engaging in indiscriminate violence against civilians. This perspective, however, is deeply contested.Manny remain unconvinced that HTS has genuinely renounced its extremist past and worry that its current stance is merely a tactical maneuver. The debate surrounding HTS’s status is likely to continue as the Syrian conflict rages on, highlighting the complexities of classifying and navigating the ever-evolving landscape of armed groups.

HTS: A Controversial Entity on the Global Stage

The status of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) within the global community remains a complex and contested issue. While some advocate for its removal from international terrorist lists, others remain deeply wary of its past associations and ideology. one prominent voice calling for HTS’s de-listing is [Name withheld]. This individual argues that HTS should no longer be classified as a terrorist organization by entities like the United Nations, the United States, the European Union, and the UK. [Name withheld]’s stance stems from several key points. Firstly, HTS formally severed ties with al-Qaeda in 2016, signaling a potential shift in its ideology and objectives. Secondly, [Name withheld] asserts that HTS does not target civilians or civilian infrastructure, differentiating itself from other groups that engage in such tactics. Rather, [Name withheld] paints HTS as primarily a victim of the Syrian regime’s actions, suggesting that its focus is on opposing the Assad government rather than engaging in indiscriminate violence against civilians. This perspective, however, is deeply contested.many remain unconvinced that HTS has genuinely renounced its extremist past and worry that its current stance is merely a tactical maneuver. The debate surrounding HTS’s status is likely to continue as the Syrian conflict rages on, highlighting the complexities of classifying and navigating the ever-evolving landscape of armed groups.
## Archyde Exclusive: A New Syria? Interview with Ahmed al-Sharaa



**By Archys, archyde News**



**[City, Date]** – In a world-exclusive interview, Ahmed al-Sharaa, the newly appointed leader of Syria, spoke to Archyde about the nation’s future, seeking to distance himself from the brutal past and appeal for international reengagement. This follows a startlingly swift change in power, where al-Sharaa’s rebel alliance, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), successfully ousted the Assad regime.



**Archyde:** Mr. President, the world is struggling to understand the new syria. What message do you have for the international community?



**Al-Sharaa:** Syria is weary of war.We have tasted the bitterness of conflict for far too long. We seek peace, not retribution. We understand the concerns regarding HTS’s past, but we urge the world to judge us on our actions, not past associations.



**archyde:** You have called for the lifting of international sanctions imposed on Syria. How can the world trust that these sanctions, designed to curb the previous regime’s brutality, will be lifted when HTS holds power?



**Al-Sharaa:** These sanctions were designed for the old regime, a regime we have eradicated. To continue these sanctions against the syrian people is to punish victims alongside oppressors. We are building a new Syria, one based on justice and inclusivity. We need the support of the international community to achieve this.



**Archyde:** Many remain deeply skeptical of HTS, given its past links to al-Qaeda and accusations of human rights abuses. How do you plan to address these concerns and assure the world of HTS’s commitment to a peaceful and stable Syria?



**Al-Sharaa:** I understand why there is skepticism. However, HTS is a product of its time, born from the ashes of a brutal regime. We have evolved, and our focus now is solely on rebuilding Syria. We are committed to transparency and working with international organizations to address past wrongs and build a future based on human rights and respect for all Syrians.



**Archyde:**



The US recently sent a delegation to Syria. What are your hopes for future relations with the West after years of frosty relations?



**Al-Sharaa:** The recent visit was a positive step.We hope it signifies a willingness to engage with the new Syria and look beyond the past. We believe a stable and prosperous Syria is in the interest of the entire world, and we are ready to cooperate with any nation that shares this vision.



**Archyde:** Mr. President, Syria stands at a crossroads. What is your vision for the future of your nation?



**Al-Sharaa:** My vision is a Syria where all citizens, regardless of thier background or beliefs, can live in peace and security. A Syria where the economy thrives, education flourishes, and our children can dream of a brighter future. Achieving this will require hard work, but we are determined to build a Syria worthy of its people.



This interview with Ahmed al-Sharaa underscores the immense challenges and opportunities facing Syria. Only time will tell if this new leadership can truly break with the past and build a brighter future for a nation ravaged by conflict.