Saudi Arabia’s Leadership Vital for Syria’s Future, Al-Shar’a Affirms; Elections May Take Years

Ahmad Al-Shar’a, the leader of “Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham” and head of the “Military Operations Administration” in Syria, has lauded Saudi Arabia’s unwavering support and vital role in shaping the future of a post-Assad Syria. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Al-Arabiya/Al-Hadath on Sunday, Al-Shar’a stressed that the Kingdom’s commitment to Syria’s stability and reconstruction will be pivotal during this transformative period.

“Saudi Arabia’s recent statements were highly positive and encouraging,” Al-Shar’a said, emphasizing the Kingdom’s dedication to peace and prosperity in the region. He pointed to the immense investment opportunities Saudi Arabia offers and its ability to mobilize resources that can accelerate Syria’s recovery. “I am proud of what Saudi Arabia has done for Syria. It will play a major role in our future, and its contributions will leave a lasting impact.”

Al-Shar’a also reflected on his personal ties to the Kingdom, revealing that he was born in Riyadh and spent his early childhood there. “I lived in Riyadh until I was seven years old. I cherish those memories and look forward to visiting the Kingdom again,” he said, highlighting the deep historical and personal connections between Syria and Saudi Arabia.

A New Chapter for Syria

As Syrians celebrate the historic fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime earlier this month, Al-Shar’a underscored that the liberation was a collective effort. “I do not consider myself the liberator of Syria,” he said. “Every individual who sacrificed, every family who endured hardships, contributed to this victory. The Syrian people rescued themselves.”

He described the liberation as a turning point not only for Syria but for the entire region, asserting that it would guarantee the security of the Middle East and the Gulf for the next fifty years.

However, Al-Shar’a did not shy away from acknowledging the immense challenges ahead. Drafting a new constitution, he explained, could take up to three years, while organizing free and fair elections might require an additional four years. “We are committed to building a democratic future, but it must be done the right way,” he said. “Any proper election will need a comprehensive population census, which is a complex and time-consuming process.”

The Road to Rebuilding

Al-Shar’a outlined a vision for rebuilding Syria’s institutions, emphasizing that the country is currently in a critical phase of reconstructing its legal and administrative frameworks. He pointed to the upcoming “National Dialogue Conference” as a cornerstone of this effort, describing it as an inclusive platform where all segments of Syrian society would have a voice.

“The National Dialogue Conference will be a unifying moment,” he said. “It will bring together every community, establish specialized committees, and facilitate democratic voting. This is how we lay the foundation for a strong, stable Syria.”

Al-Shar’a expressed optimism that within a year, Syrians would begin to see tangible improvements in essential services. “We understand the urgency of restoring normalcy. People need to see change, and we are working tirelessly to deliver it.”

Protests and Transitional Governance

On the issue of public protests, Al-Shar’a reaffirmed the right of every Syrian to express their opinions peacefully. “Protests are a legitimate right, as long as they do not harm institutions or disrupt the peace,” he said.

Responding to criticism over the one-sided appointments in the current transitional government, Al-Shar’a explained that these measures were necessary to maintain harmony during this sensitive period. “The current appointments were essential for this phase. They are not about exclusion but about ensuring unity,” he said.

He warned that introducing political quotas or power-sharing agreements too early could have derailed the transitional process. “We must prioritize stability and progress over factional politics,” he added.

Addressing Societal Divisions

Al-Shar’a acknowledged the scars left by years of conflict but expressed confidence in the resilience of the Syrian people. While some isolated retaliatory incidents have occurred, he noted that they were far fewer than expected, given the magnitude of the crisis.

“The previous regime left deep divisions in our society,” he said. “But Syrians have always found ways to coexist. There is no significant unrest now, and we are committed to fostering unity.”

He also vowed that all individuals responsible for crimes during the conflict would face justice. “Accountability is essential. No one who has committed crimes against the Syrian people will escape justice.”

Dissolving Armed Factions

Al-Shar’a confirmed that “Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham” and other armed factions would be dissolved as part of the transition to a civilian-led government. This, he said, would be formally announced during the National Dialogue Conference.

“The era of militias is over,” he declared. “The new government will operate with a state-first mentality, ensuring that institutions, not factions, govern Syria. Syria will no longer be a source of instability for anyone.”

He revealed ongoing negotiations with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) aimed at resolving tensions in northeastern Syria and integrating their fighters into the national armed forces. He emphasized that the unity of the Syrian state is non-negotiable and reiterated that the Kurds are an integral part of Syrian society.

Regional and Global Relations

Al-Shar’a expressed hope that Iran would reassess its regional policies and adopt a more constructive approach. “Many people in the region aspire to see a positive role for Iran,” he said.

He also highlighted the efforts of the Military Operations Administration in addressing Iranian-backed forces during the conflict, adding, “We expected more positive signals from Tehran. Now is the time for cooperation, not confrontation.”

On Russia, Al-Shar’a emphasized the importance of maintaining a respectful relationship, even as Moscow reevaluates its role in Syria. “We value our strategic ties with Russia. It is the world’s second-strongest power, and its partnership is important for Syria’s future,” he said.

Looking Ahead

Reflecting on the broader implications of Assad’s fall on December 8, Al-Shar’a noted that it marked a seismic shift in the regional balance of power. Iran lost a key ally and a vital land corridor for supplying Hezbollah, while Russia lost a partner it had defended for years.

Despite these losses, Al-Shar’a highlighted recent Russian statements that signaled a willingness to engage positively with Syria’s transitional government.

With strong support from Saudi Arabia and other regional allies, Al-Shar’a expressed optimism for Syria’s future. “This is a new beginning, not just for Syria but for the region. Together, we will build a stable, prosperous nation that serves as a model for reconciliation and progress,” he concluded.