Damascus: Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa stated that the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime was necessary not only for Syria but for the entire region. In an interview with Qatar's Al Jazeera TV, cited by the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), Sharaa described Syria as 'the central pivot of the region' and expressed his long-held expectation that the country would undergo fundamental change.
According to Anadolu Agency, Sharaa emphasized his certainty that the Assad regime would fall due to the numerous crimes it committed against the Syrian people. He asserted, "Removing the former regime was necessary not only for Syria but for the region as a whole." Sharaa noted that the opposition concentrated on a military campaign against Assad's regime while also preparing for post-war reconstruction.
On December 8, 2024, Syrian revolutionaries led by Sharaa successfully toppled Bashar al-Assad, who had ruled the country since 2000. Sharaa highlighted that military action was just one component of a broader strategy and could not achieve change in Syria by itself. He stated, "Military action is one of the tools of our work, but it is not everything."
He elaborated on the need for a comprehensive approach, mentioning the importance of a media narrative, public support, effective governance, and a trained team to build institutions and develop the economy for sustainable development. Sharaa stressed the importance of unity throughout the campaign, declaring, "Division is weakness, and unity is strength."
The Syrian president shared insights from past challenges, revealing that he organized efforts to overthrow the regime from within Damascus, learning from defeats and resource constraints. He claimed to have received no external support, instead focusing on building a balanced local economy in Idlib, which later became the launch point for the campaign against Assad.
Sharaa emphasized the significance of media portrayal and infrastructure development in opposition-held areas, mentioning achievements in governance and public administration. He claimed that living standards in Idlib had surpassed those under the former regime, with developments including a Shura Council, universities, media institutions, and infrastructure projects.
Reflecting on his personal life and political journey, Sharaa attributed his identity to his family's roots in the occupied Golan Heights and his influences from Arab nationalist discourse and Islamic thought. He noted that the environment he grew up in rejected the former regime's policies and treatment of citizens.
Concluding the interview, Sharaa expressed his deep connection to Syria's historical significance, stating, "I believe humanity began here in Syria, and when we stand before Damascus, we stand before the cradle of human civilization."