Editorial 2 : ​​​​Amoral embrace

Context

The U.S. appears to have let Sharaa off the hook in Syria.

Introduction

The dramatic rise of Ahmed al-Sharaa, once a jihadist commander and now Syria’s President, marks a profound geopolitical shift. His growing partnership with Washington, removal of a long-standing bounty, and rapid integration into the U.S.-led regional order highlight a remarkable transformation. Yet his troubling past, ongoing rights violations, and unchecked power consolidation raise serious concerns.

Dramatic Shift in Syria–U.S. Relations

• Ahmed al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, has undergone a dramatic evolution—from a jihadist leader to Syria’s President and a surprising U.S. ally.
• Once carrying a $10 million bounty, the former chief of al-Qaeda’s Syria branch is now welcomed in Washington.
• U.S. President Donald Trump publicly stated he “gets along with him” after their White House meeting.
• Following the HTS overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, the U.S. removed the reward on Sharaa and initiated sanctions exemptions for Syria.
• Washington is reportedly helping arrange a Syria–Israel security arrangement, while expanding its presence at a Damascus airbase.
• The overall message: Syria seeks integration into the U.S.-led regional order, and the U.S. is responding enthusiastically.

Key Shifts After Assad’s Fall

Concerns Over Sharaa’s Extremist Past

• Sharaa was once Baghdadi’s nominee to found al-Qaeda’s Syria branch, later aligning himself with al-Zawahiri.
• He distanced himself from al-Qaeda only after gaining control of Idlib, which became the base of anti-Assad groups.
• His rise accelerated after the 2024 HTS offensive, supported indirectly as the Syrian army weakened under Israeli strikes.
• Despite promising an inclusive Syria, the regime has already seen:
  • Massacres of minorities (Alawites, Druze).
  • Sham elections aimed at centralising authority.
  • Continued activity of transnational jihadists under HTS.

Contradictions in Sharaa’s Leadership

U.S. Double Standards and the Risks Ahead

• The U.S., once heavily vocal about human rights abuses under Assad, is now largely silent regarding HTS abusesunder Sharaa.
• Rapid political rehabilitation without accountability risks:
  • Deepening sectarian wounds,
  • Strengthening jihadist networks,
  • Perpetuating regional instability.
• Without checks on Sharaa’s governance, Syria could remain vulnerable to renewed conflict.

Conclusion
While Syria’s reintegration into the regional mainstream under Sharaa offers hope for stability, overlooking his extremist legacy, continued sectarian violence, and weakening of democratic safeguards carries grave risks. Without genuine accountability and meaningful reforms, Washington’s embrace may embolden authoritarian tendencies, leaving Syria’s deep wounds unhealed and its long-term peace prospects dangerously fragile.