Al-Sharaa Discusses Syria’s Future and Regional Dynamics

In an interview with the American newspaper ‘The Washington Post,’ Al-Sharaa stated, ‘We need Russia because it is a permanent member of the Security Council, and we need its vote on certain issues.’ The interim president addressed the Israeli position, saying, ‘Israel occupied the Golan under the pretext of protecting itself, and today it imposes conditions in southern Syria under the pretext of protecting the Golan. After years, it may occupy central Syria under the pretext of protecting the south, and with this logic, it could eventually reach Munich.’ He pointed out that Israel ‘has launched more than 1,000 airstrikes in Syria since December 8, including bombing the presidential palace and the Ministry of Defense. But because we want to rebuild Syria, we did not respond to these attacks. Israel’s progress in Syria does not stem from its security concerns but from its expansionist ambitions.’ He called on the American forces present in Syria to oversee the integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the Syrian army, considering this step as the optimal solution. Al-Sharaa said, ‘I believe the best solution is for the American forces in Syria to oversee the integration process of the Syrian Democratic Forces, while the responsibility of protecting Syrian territory should lie with the state itself.’ He added that ‘Syria today is capable of bearing this responsibility. Keeping Syria divided or having any military force not under government control represents the best environment for the thriving of ISIS (terrorist organization banned in Russia and several other countries).’