Amanpour Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa
Dec 8, 2025
Ahmed al-Sharaa, the new Interim President of Syria and former opposition leader, discusses the fragile transition following Bashar al-Assad's fall. He highlights the need for national reconciliation, addressing concerns from minority groups, and aims to lift economic sanctions for recovery. Dimitri Daskalakis, a former CDC official, shares insights on U.S. public health policies and critiques recent changes at the CDC. Their conversation dives into governance, women's rights, and the importance of inclusivity in Syria's future.
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Sanctions Seen As Barrier To Recovery
- Ahmed al-Sharaa frames U.S. sanctions as harming ordinary Syrians and says lifting Caesar is near.
- He links investment and sanctions relief to economic recovery and national interest.
Institutions Over Sectarian Quotas
- Ahmed al-Sharaa emphasizes building rule-of-law institutions to protect minorities and avoid sectarian quotas.
- He says participatory government and technocratic appointments will ensure rights and continuity.
Timed Transition To Elections
- Ahmed al-Sharaa says elections are a core principle but Syria is not yet ready for immediate parliamentary votes.
- He proposes a five-year mandate to draft laws and a constitution before holding elections.