In a wide-ranging and introspective interview on the British political podcast The Rest Is Politics, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa discussed his past as a fighter, his transformation into a statesman, and his vision for Syria’s future. The interview, conducted by British journalist and former political advisor Alastair Campbell and former Conservative minister Rory Stewart, was notable for its focus on Sharaa’s personal journey rather than traditional political analysis.
From Insurgent to Head of State
Sharaa, who was one of the main leaders of the resistance against the now-deposed dictator Bashar al-Assad and his regime, spoke about his early life, his years in Iraq, and his time in prison—an experience he described as shaping his political outlook. Born in Saudi Arabia to a family originally from the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, Sharaa recounted his father’s political activism and the discussions of politics in their household. He credited his upbringing for his ideological development, noting that his family’s displacement and exposure to political struggles deeply influenced his worldview.
His political transformation accelerated after his imprisonment in Iraq, where he was detained for five years in multiple facilities, including Abu Ghraib and Bucca. “During this tour of the prisons, I got to know many people and became more politically mature,” he said. He described being exposed to a range of ideas, some of which, particularly regarding sectarianism, he found “shocking.”
After his release, Sharaa returned to Syria, where he led armed resistance against both the Assad regime and extremist factions. “We lost more than 1,200 men in confrontations with ISIS alone,” he said, emphasizing his ideological and military opposition to the group.
A Vision for Syria’s Future
Sharaa reiterated his stance that the revolution against Assad ended with the regime’s fall, and Syria is now in a state-building phase. He outlined plans for a National Dialogue Conference that would lead to the drafting of a new constitution, followed by elections. He emphasized that the new government has abolished compulsory military conscription, instead opting for voluntary enlistment, which has drawn thousands of recruits.
Regarding international relations, Sharaa expressed a desire to end Syria’s role as a battleground for foreign powers. He rejected forced displacement in any form, particularly criticizing US President Donald Trump’s recent statements regarding the relocation of Palestinians from Gaza. “The Palestinian lesson during 80 years of conflict is to hold on to the land,” he said, asserting that forced displacement is both immoral and impractical.
Sanctions & Economic Recovery
Sharaa called for an immediate end to sanctions on Syria, arguing that they were originally imposed due to the Assad regime’s crimes and should no longer apply. He outlined his economic vision, stating that Syria would not model itself after any single country but would draw inspiration from nations like Singapore, Brazil, and Rwanda to build a unique economic framework.
The interview, which showcased Sharaa’s media savvy and ability to navigate difficult questions, has drawn widespread attention in both Western and Arab political circles. Political analysts like King’s College PhD candidate Siba Madwar, noted his adept control over the conversation, steering discussions toward his vision for Syria’s future rather than dwelling on his controversial past. Madwar felt, “this interview is the second most impressive after his first interview on CNN.”
Despite the challenges facing Syria, Sharaa maintained a tone of optimism. “We inherited a country that was completely destroyed by the previous regime,” he acknowledged, before adding, “but this is the challenge we as Syrians must face. Nothing is impossible. With will and hard work, we can revive Syria and make it a regional and global success story.”
