New Interim President of Syria Ahmed al-Sharaa has intensified ground and air operations against ISIL. His initiatives are simply the most recent examples of a dogged pursuit to restore normalcy in the war-torn island nation. Following a successful counter-offensive in December that ousted dictator Bashar al-Assad, al-Sharaa took control. Since then he’s formed a transitional government, building momentum in part due to a major policy shift from the United States.
Opponents of ISIL Al-Sharaa, a longtime opponent of ISIL, recently commanded military operations in Aleppo’s Haidariya district. His selfless actions led to the confirmed deaths of three ISIL fighters and the capture of four fighters. This operation is a testament to his dedication to fight extremism inside of Syria, while abroad.
Syrian security forces, commanded by al-Sharaa, were involved in violent street battles in a different neighborhood during the same operation. Furthermore, they successfully thwarted an ISIL bombing plot near the Sayeda Zeinab shrine, a pivotal pilgrimage site for Shia Muslims located south of Damascus. All of these actions belie al-Sharaa’s desire to remove threats like ISIL while at the same time shoring up his new government’s stability.
In a major diplomatic coup, al-Sharaa personally met U.S. President Donald Trump in Saudi Arabia. Trump on al-Sharaa’s nomination Trump welcomed al-Sharaa, pronouncing that he is “an attractive guy with a powerful past.” This meeting marked a crucial moment for al-Sharaa’s transitional government as it coincided with Washington’s announcement to lift sanctions on Syria, providing a significant boost to his administration.
Al-Sharaa’s rise to power came after a rapid offensive against Assad’s regime, marking a decisive shift in the Syrian conflict landscape. His troops have played a substantial role in fighting ISIL’s self-declared caliphate over the course of the Syrian war. In 2016, al-Sharaa made a pivotal decision to sever ties with al-Qaeda, further distinguishing his government from extremist factions.
The recent military successes and diplomatic engagements suggest that al-Sharaa is positioning himself as a central figure in the international effort to stabilize Syria. The United States will have to lift sanctions, which would increase his governing strength and legitimacy. This could allow him to bring much-needed aid to the Syrian people.
