Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa appeared Sunday on CBS’s Face the Nation in a segment filmed in Damascus, ahead of his first US trip as acting president. The full conversation with journalist Margaret Brennan is scheduled to air on 60 Minutes on September 28.
The interview is part of a broader media push surrounding Sharaa’s planned visit to New York, where he is expected to address the United Nations General Assembly’s 80th session and deliver remarks at the Concordia Summit. At Concordia, he will also join retired US Army Gen. and former CIA Director David Petraeus for a public discussion on security and global risk.
From Rebel Commander to Head of State
Brennan noted that just a year ago, Sharaa faced a $10 million US bounty for ties to the Islamic State and al-Qaida. He broke with those groups before leading the rebel coalition that toppled Bashar al-Assad, whose government was accused of bombing cities and using chemical weapons against civilians.
In the interview, Sharaa accused the Assad regime of displacing 14 million people and said foreign investment is essential for rebuilding. “The international community failed to deter the regime from using chemical weapons,” he said. “We should not be standing accused at the defense table. We should be asking others why they stood silent.”
Calls for Sanctions Relief
Sharaa linked Syria’s recovery to the easing of international sanctions, praising former President Donald Trump for a June decision to temporarily waive some restrictions. He argued that permanent relief from Washington, the UN and European governments is needed to attract lasting investment.
“Anybody who stands against the lifting of sanctions would be complicit in killing the Syrian people once again,” Sharaa told Brennan. He said his administration expelled Iranian militias and Hezbollah, confronted the Islamic State and provided support for communities targeted with chemical attacks.
Balancing Skepticism and Diplomacy
While some foreign officials describe Sharaa as pragmatic, Brennan pressed him on accusations that he changes positions to suit his circumstances. He rejected the label, emphasizing that his actions should be judged on outcomes. “We have restored hope for the people who are refugees or internally displaced,” he said.
Despite skepticism in Washington and European capitals, Sharaa said he intends to reintroduce Syria on the world stage and rebuild relations with the United States. He signaled openness to further talks with Trump, calling the former president’s decision on sanctions “quick, courageous and historic.”
Looking Toward New York
The CBS interview sets the stage for a week of high-profile appearances in New York, where Sharaa will present his transitional government’s vision to the UN and engage with global leaders. His meeting with Petraeus at the Concordia Summit will highlight the complex history between the two men, once on opposing sides of the Iraq conflict.
