Syria‘s President Al-Sharaa Declares New Regional Phase Following Assad‘s Ouster
NEW YORK – Syria has entered a “historic phase” marked by converging interests with Western powers, including the United states, according to President ahmed al-Sharaa, who spoke Monday at the 2025 Concordia Annual Summit in New York. Al-Sharaa’s appearance marks a meaningful moment,making him the first Syrian president to address the U.N. General Assembly since 1967.
The shift follows the fall of the Assad regime adn signals a potential realignment in the region, though challenges remain. Al-Sharaa cautioned against attempts to exploit sectarian divisions within Syria and the use of Syrian territory for external conflicts, emphasizing the need for swift implementation of peaceful resolutions, notably regarding an agreement with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) reached on March 10. This advancement impacts regional stability, international relations, and the future of millions of Syrians affected by years of conflict and sanctions.
During a session titled “East Stage: Democracy, Security & Geopolitical Risk” alongside former CIA Director David Petraeus, Al-Sharaa stressed the importance of consolidating security by “restricting weapons to the hands of the state.” He revealed that syria has offered integration into the Syrian army for members of the SDF, with assurances of guaranteed kurdish rights, but noted “hesitation” in implementing the proposed agreement.
Al-Sharaa also used the platform to reiterate his call for the United States to lift sanctions imposed on Syria under the Caesar Act. He argued that these sanctions, originally levied against the previous Assad regime, are no longer justified and are increasingly perceived by the Syrian population as directly targeting them.
