On Sunday, Syrian President Ahmed Al-Shara emphasized that the removal of the former regime was a necessity for the region as a whole, not just for Syria. Speaking to Al Jazeera, and as reported by Syria's SANA news agency, Al-Shara described Syria as a pivotal point in the region and anticipated its inevitable path to change.
He expressed confidence that the Assad regime would fall due to its numerous crimes against the Syrian people, stating, 'Removing the former regime was essential not only for Syria but for the entire region.'
The focus of counter-regime efforts, Al-Shara noted, was primarily military, with simultaneous preparations for a rebuilding phase.
Al-Shara shared that he learned valuable lessons from various experiences and started organizing efforts to topple the regime from within Damascus. Despite resource limitations, past defeats and losses provided important lessons.
He emphasized the lack of external support, highlighting the creation of a balanced economic environment in Idlib, northwest Syria, from which Al-Shara set out to dismantle the Assad regime.
He commented, 'We prioritized both warfare and economic construction, despite the heavy siege and pressure in areas like Idlib.'
He added that they projected their true narrative through media and visitors, showcasing accomplishments in Idlib and liberated zones across multiple sectors.
Al-Shara highlighted Idlib's superior living standards compared to the former regime, attributing this to training in construction and institutional management. With institutions like a consultative council, universities, media bodies, a significant industrial city, residential neighborhoods, and commercial centers, they surpassed the previous regime in several areas.
Addressing his personal background, Al-Shara recounted his journey from education to Damascus's liberation, noting his roots in the Golan Heights and his upbringing's daily discourse at home and in society.
Al-Shara mentioned being influenced by Arab nationalism ideologies shared with certain Islamic discourse elements, explaining, 'We differentiate between Islam and the interpretations and practices known as Islamic experiences.'
He pointed out that the environment he grew up in opposed the 'obsolete regime' due to its oppressive policies against citizens.
Concluding his statements, Al-Shara asserted, 'I believe humanity's journey began here (in Syria), and standing before Damascus is akin to standing before human civilization.'