In an interview with Al Arabiya/Al Hadath, Ahmed al-Sharaa, leader of "Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham" and head of the "Military Operations Administration" in Syria, reflected on his role in the recent upheavals and the country’s uncertain future.

Al-Sharaa distanced himself from being labeled as the liberator of Syria, emphasizing the collective sacrifices made by the Syrian people.

"I do not consider myself the liberator of Syria," he said. "Everyone who made sacrifices liberated the country. The Syrian people saved themselves." This statement underscores his insistence on collective ownership of Syria’s liberation, rather than placing credit on any one faction or leader.

Smooth Transition and Regional Stability

Sharaa also spoke about efforts to ensure a peaceful transition of power following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime on December 8. “We tried hard to ensure that the transfer of power was smooth,” he said, noting that factions prioritized minimizing casualties and displacement during the process. He added, "Liberating Syria guarantees the security of the region and the Gulf for the next fifty years."

Rebuilding Syria's Future

Discussing Syria’s future governance, al-Sharaa emphasized the importance of drafting a new constitution, which he predicted would take about three years to prepare. Organizing elections, he said, could require an additional four years, contingent on conducting a comprehensive population census.

"We are currently in the stage of rebuilding the law," he explained, adding that the upcoming "National Dialogue Conference" would include all societal components, form specialized committees, and facilitate voting on critical issues. "Syria will need a year for the citizen to feel radical service changes," he added.

On public demonstrations, Sharaa acknowledged them as a "legitimate right for any citizen to express their opinion," provided they do not disrupt institutions.

On Kurdish Inclusion and National Unity

Al-Sharaa addressed the contentious issue of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), stating that negotiations are ongoing to integrate them into government forces and resolve the crisis in northeastern Syria. He emphasized the importance of Kurdish inclusion, declaring, "The Kurds are an integral part of the Syrian components, and the country will not be divided."

Global Relations and Strategic Partnerships

Commenting on international relations, al-Sharaa expressed optimism about future collaborations with Saudi Arabia, calling recent statements from the Kingdom "very positive." He noted, "Saudi Arabia has major investment opportunities in Syria. I am proud of everything Saudi Arabia has done for Syria, and it has a major role in the future of the country." He also shared a personal connection, revealing that he was born in Riyadh and "longs to visit it again."

Regarding Iran, al-Sharaa struck a hopeful tone, urging Tehran to reassess its policies in the region. He acknowledged aspirations for "a positive Iranian role" and mentioned that his administration had extended conciliatory gestures toward Tehran despite ongoing tensions.

On Russia, he stressed the importance of maintaining respectful relations with Moscow, calling it "the second most powerful country in the world with great importance." He added, "Damascus has strategic interests with Moscow."

Hope for US Policy Shift

Al-Sharaa expressed hope for improved relations with the United States under President-elect Donald Trump. He called for lifting sanctions, which he believes would facilitate rebuilding and stability in Syria.

A New Era for Syria

The fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime marked the end of an era for Syria’s allies, including Iran and Russia. Despite this, recent statements from Moscow have been positive toward the transitional administration. Al-Sharaa remains steadfast in his vision for a unified Syria, governed with inclusivity and stability, as the nation embarks on a challenging but hopeful journey of reconstruction and reconciliation.