Doha, Dec. 6 (SANA) President Ahmad al-Sharaa outlined Syria’s path toward stability and its efforts to rebuild institutions during a panel session at the 23rd edition of the annual Doha Forum 2025. The forum, held in the Qatari capital, carries the theme “Consolidating Justice: From Promises to Tangible Reality.”
Speaking at the Forum during an open dialogue session with journalist Christiane Amanpour, CNN’s chief international affairs anchor, President al-Sharaa described Syria’s turbulent past, saying the country endured decades of isolation, crippling sanctions, and policies by the former regime that pushed much of the international community to turn away. “At this time last year, we were preparing to enter Damascus. After liberation, Syria restored many of its international relations,” he said.
The president stressed that Syria has shifted from being a region associated with crises to a potential model for regional stability. “Every step we take serves Syria’s interests and restores its important role in the region and internationally,” he said. “The world has opened up to Syria to benefit from its strategic location and regional influence in establishing stability.”
Turning to domestic issues, President al-Sharaa said Syria is moving toward stability and economic growth after years of conflict. “Syria shifted from one system of governance to another following the success of the popular revolution. Despite some challenges, the country is on a positive path,” he said. The president emphasized the importance of economic recovery in achieving stability and noted ongoing efforts with the United States to repeal the Caesar Act, imposed to hold the former regime accountable.
The president highlighted progress in governance and legal reform, saying that representation in government is now based on merit rather than sectarian quotas, and that institutions, not individuals, are the foundation for rebuilding Syria. “Strengthening accountability under the law and developing institutional roles is the path to state-building and ensuring everyone’s rights,” he said.
President al-Sharaa added that after the liberation, Syria held a comprehensive national dialogue conference that resulted in a temporary constitutional declaration. This declaration granted the president a five-year mandate, during which numerous laws will be enacted and the constitution will be drafted. Elections are scheduled to take place after four years.
President al-Sharaa also addressed the protection of civil rights, saying Syria has broken the chains of oppressive prisons, including Saydnaya, and is committed to women’s empowerment. “Syrian women are fully integrated in society and participate in government and the People’s Assembly,” he said.
On the topic of terrorism, President al-Sharaa argued that the label is often politicized. “A terrorist is someone who kills children and innocent people and uses illegitimate means to harm others,” he said, citing casualty figures from Gaza, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria under the former regime to highlight his point.
Finally, President al-Sharaa pointed to Syria’s long history of coexistence and civil peace. “Syria defined the meaning of coexistence and has given the world lessons in civil peace. All segments of the Syrian people participated in the revolution,” he said.
