An on-the-ground report from Damascus highlights the complex situation in Syria. The narrative explores the efforts towards reconstruction, the political dynamics under current leadership, and the challenges faced in building a stable future after years of conflict.
A street vendor prepares traditional Ramadan sweets ahead of iftar in the historic Old City of Damascus, Syria , on Monday, February 23, 2026. This image captures a moment of cultural resilience amidst the backdrop of ongoing complexities. During a recent visit to the Middle East, I observed the significant impact of the conflict, particularly Israel's actions in Lebanon.
The indiscriminate response to Hezbollah's attacks has caused widespread displacement, affecting communities far beyond the immediate areas of conflict. This reality underscores the human cost of these events and highlights the intricate dynamics at play in the region. My travels also took me to Damascus, where I ventured briefly outside the capital. Despite the challenges, a sense of optimism exists, provided that two crucial conditions are met: a deeper understanding of the post-Assad actors prevails over simplistic judgements and that the current leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, successfully manages the diverse factions within the country.\The leadership of Ahmed al-Sharaa represents a potential turning point for Syria. A former Islamist with a complex past, al-Sharaa has emerged as a key figure in the country’s transformation. His previous involvement in both the radical insurgency in Iraq and the Syrian civil war, initially aligned with al Qaeda, demonstrates his evolution. His decision to break from these groups and establish a governorate in the northwest before the toppling of Assad's Ba’athist regime indicates a shift in ideology. Al-Sharaa’s efforts to incorporate various political and religious groups into the new Syria, his distancing from Tehran, and his adherence to the 1970s agreement with Israel, despite it not being a full peace treaty, show a commitment to diplomacy and stability. The establishment of an inclusive government signals his commitment to a more tolerant and pluralistic society, including the Kurds, who once controlled a substantial portion of the territory. Al-Sharaa has largely succeeded in achieving his goals, with the exception of one: effectively controlling all factions within the military. Accusations wrongly attribute attacks against religious minorities to his leadership; however, these actions are the result of a disruptive faction within the army that he does not fully control. This assessment is supported by Walid Joumblatt, the historical leader of the Lebanese Druze, whom I met in Beirut. Joumblatt has traveled to Syria to mediate and has fostered positive relationships with Damascus. He believes that the radical Hikmat al-Hijri, who seeks to break away from Syria, is acting irrationally.\Syria is grappling with a multitude of challenges: years of war, isolation, the collapse of infrastructure and industrial base, and pervasive insecurity. These issues have created an environment that is very difficult to improve, despite the recent easing of international sanctions and initiatives to foster a market economy. The potential for development and change, however, remains significant. I encountered a group of businesspeople who are investing in the tourism industry, convinced that Syria’s rich cultural heritage can position it as a prominent destination in the eastern Mediterranean. They envision Syria as a key logistics hub, facilitating trade between East and West. While al-Sharaa appears to be focused on development over theocracy or conflict, he faces challenges from various forces, including some of his former allies who continue to advocate for an Islamic state. Recent signs, such as the restrictions on alcohol sales in Damascus, are concerning. While these policies are unlikely to be strictly enforced, they signal the challenges al-Sharaa confronts. The risks associated with a modernization strategy reliant on a single leader are twofold: the potential for the government to become authoritarian and the possibility of a backlash from more traditional elements, which could lead to renewed internal conflict. So far, these dangers have been avoided. Al-Sharaa has implemented a five-year transitional document, serving as a de facto constitution, and has skillfully navigated the political landscape, preventing his country from being drawn into the ongoing regional conflicts
Syria Ahmed Al-Sharaa Reconstruction Political Landscape Conflict Resolution
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