sky News speaks to HTS leader in his first comments since capturing Syrian capital.
By Zein Jaafar adn Celine al Khaldi in Damascus, Syria
The leader of the Syrian armed rebel group which swept the Assad regime from four decades of rule has told Sky News Western nations have nothing to fear from his victory.
Abu Mohammad al Jolani, who now asks to be called by his birth name Ahmed al Sharaa, told Sky News his group doesn’t seek further conflict and will bring stability back to Syria.
Inside the Imam al Shafi’i mosque in the neighbourhood of Mezzeh, he spoke briefly about how Syria had been driven to devastation by the corruption and greed of the Assad family.
He praised the efforts of his fighters who, he claims, took charge of Syria without any foreign support or interference.
The HTS leader is a former member of Islamic State of Iraq and led Al Qaeda’s affiliate group in Syria before severing ties in 2016.
He is now trying to present himself as a more moderate Islamist leader, but his group is designated by the UN, US, UK, and other countries as a terrorist organisation.
His group’s rapid sweep across Syria has also aroused fears among other minorities in the country, including Kurds, Allawites, and Christians.
But Al Sharaa dismissed those concerns: “The source of our fears was from the Iranian militias, Hezbollah, and the regime which committed the massacres we are seeing today.so their removal is the solution for Syria,” he said.
How does Ahmed al Sharaa plan to address the concerns of minorities in a post-conflict Syria?
Interview with HTS Leader Ahmed al Sharaa: A New Era for Syria?
Editor (Time.news): Thank you for joining us today, Ahmed al Sharaa, the leader of the Syrian rebel group formerly known as HTS. Your recent comments have stirred quite the discussion. To begin with, can you clarify what you mean when you say that Western nations have nothing to fear from your victory?
Ahmed al Sharaa: Thank you for having me. When I mentioned that Western nations have nothing to fear, I meant that our primary focus is on restoring stability in syria. We do not seek further conflict or expansion. Our struggle has always been against the regime’s decades of corruption, not against any foreign entities.
Editor: You’ve had an exceptional rise, capturing significant territory in Syria. How do you plan to govern in a country that has been devastated by war and what steps will you take to ensure the safety of minorities, such as Kurds and Christians, who may feel threatened by your group?
ahmed al Sharaa: Our intentions are clear. We aim to build a government based on justice and equality for all Syrians, regardless of their background. The fears you mention stem from a legacy of violence perpetrated by the regime and Iranian militias. We firmly believe that their removal is crucial for peace. Dialogue and collaboration with all communities will be part of our governance strategy.
editor: You’ve spoken about the corruption of the Assad family. Can you elaborate on how this corruption has affected the current situation in Syria?
Ahmed al Sharaa: The Assad regime’s greed has led to widespread devastation – both economically and socially. We’ve seen a country rich in culture and history reduced to ruins. Our victory represents a chance to eradicate this corruption, rebuild trust with the people, and restore Syria to its former glory.
Editor: You also mentioned that your fighters operated without foreign support.Can you explain how that has influenced your strategy moving forward?
Ahmed al Sharaa: Operating independently has allowed us to maintain our sovereignty and true intentions. It has fostered a sense of ownership among our fighters and the Syrian people. Moving forward, our strategy will continue to focus on local support and promoting stability without outside interference.
Editor: Your past ties with groups like Al-Qaeda have raised concerns. How do you address your past as you try to present a more moderate image now?
Ahmed al Sharaa: It is indeed essential to recognize that I have evolved. I severed ties with Al-Qaeda in 2016 because I understood that to foster peace in Syria, a more moderate approach is necessary. Our past should inform our future, but it does not dictate it. We are committed to a new path focused on governance and civil rights.
Editor: As your group is still labeled a terrorist organization by several nations, what are your plans to change perceptions and build international legitimacy?
Ahmed al Sharaa: Gaining legitimacy will be a process rooted in our actions. We will focus on demonstrating good governance, protecting all citizens’ rights, and fostering dialogue both domestically and with the international community. Over time, our commitment to a peaceful and cohesive Syria will shift perceptions.
Editor: what advice would you offer to the international community as they navigate their response to your evolving leadership in Syria?
Ahmed al Sharaa: I urge the international community to engage with us based on our actions rather than preconceived notions. Understanding the realities on the ground and supporting genuine efforts towards stabilization in Syria will be beneficial for everyone involved.
Editor: Thank you, ahmed al Sharaa, for sharing your insights. Your comments will undoubtedly encourage further dialogue about the future of Syria and its relationship with the world.
This interview with HTS leader Ahmed al Sharaa emphasizes the complexities of the evolving Syrian landscape, providing insights that highlight the implications of his leadership for both Syria and international relations.