A Ubiquitous Diplomat: Ahmed al-Sharaa’s Journey
If international presence and diplomatic engagements were the sole indicators of success, Ahmed al-Sharaa would surely be recognized as diplomat of the year. Since his formal inauguration as the president of Syria on January 29, 2025, he has undertaken 21 international trips across 13 different countries. His travels have included appearances at the UN General Assembly, a climate change conference in Brazil, as well as multiple Arab summits.
Endorsements and Acknowledgment
The recent visit of envoys from all 15 UN Security Council members to Damascus, intended to commemorate the anniversary of Bashar al-Assad’s fall, marked a notable moment. This display of unity is significant given the long-standing divisions within the Security Council regarding Syria since 2011.
The Challenge Ahead
This goodwill towards Syria’s renaissance brings the hope of achieving practical benefits for the Syrian people, such as easing sanctions, fostering internal peace, and limiting foreign influence from nations like Israel and Iran, along with Sharaa’s ideological ally, Turkey.
Investment Prospects
On the economic front, foreign investments are beginning to pour in, with Saudi Arabia committing over $6 billion and Qatar working to revive the oil and gas sectors. The final set of US sanctions is anticipated to be lifted soon, although Syria’s central bank admits uncertainty regarding the exact state of the country’s GDP.
Building Trust and Facing Obstacles
For Gulf investments to continue, Sharaa needs to pursue a path of reconciliation and foster trust, steering clear of extremist influences. He must also ensure that Syria does not become a launchpad for threats against Israel from the south or pose challenges to Turkey with Kurdish groups in the north.
Support from Unlikely Allies
Surprisingly, Sharaa has received backing from Donald Trump, who plans to visit Damascus soon. Trump has met Sharaa multiple times, including a significant meeting in November at the White House, marking the first visit of a Syrian president to the Oval Office since 1948. Trump has expressed admiration for Sharaa, referring to him as a tough individual from a challenging background.
The Path Forward
Sharaa’s ability to unify a fragmented Syria faces external constraints, with Israel remaining vigilant over potential terrorist threats while Turkey demands the disarmament of the Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). With nearly 1,000 Israeli airstrikes targeting Syria, the situation remains precarious. Any instability could inadvertently empower extremist factions, complicating Sharaa’s efforts to regain sovereignty and restore national integrity.
