Sharaa faces pushback over his vision for a new Syria

He stated his determination to keep Syria a unified state inclusive to all its citizens and said attempts to divide and fragment the country were a red line. He also reiterated his firm opposition to sectarian power-sharing, which in his view has only led to deadlock wherever it has been tried. 

Al-Sharaa understands that Syria's stability is not only a national imperative but also a regional, Arab and international one. He acknowledged the many challenges ahead, but expressed optimism that Syrians could overcome them and rebuild their country.

His speech represented a roadmap of sorts towards a more prosperous and stable Syria. But even if only part of his vision is realised in the near future, this would mark a tremendous accomplishment and add to the growing feeling in the country that change is possible and that Syrians do have agency over their own future.

Misalignment

However, over the following two weeks, it became increasingly clear that al-Shaara's roadmap is not shared by some figures "close" to power. After images of the visiting journalist delegation were leaked, some parties— namely the Muslim Brotherhood—began to attack certain individuals involved. They also criticised al-Sharaa's security negotiations with Israel.

The Syrian president will travel, in the coming days, to New York to deliver a speech at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, making him the first Syrian leader to address the high-level meetings there since 1967.

And while the world—and the Syrian people—are eager to hear what he will say, it remains unclear whether there is full alignment within his government over his declared vision for the country.