Syria’s de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa met with Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt on Sunday in an ongoing effort to provide reassurance to minority groups following the recent ouster of Bashar al-Assad by Islamist rebels. Sharaa emphasized during the meeting that all sects in Syria will be included in what he described as a new era free from sectarian divisions.
Leading the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) responsible for the removal of Assad on December 8, Sharaa sought to dispel concerns that strict Islamic governance might be imposed on Syria’s diverse population, which includes Druze, Kurds, Christians, and Alawites. He made it clear that their culture, religion, and Islam are sources of pride, and that being part of the Islamic community does not mean excluding other sects but protecting them.
In statements aired by Lebanese broadcaster Al Jadeed, Sharaa underscored the importance of safeguarding the various minority groups in Syria. The meeting with Jumblatt, a respected Druze leader and seasoned politician, was seen as a step towards fostering positive relations between Lebanon and Syria in the post-Assad era. The Druze community, an Arab minority with distinct Islamic beliefs, was acknowledged for its contributions to the country.
Dressed in civilian attire, a departure from his previous military garb during his time as a rebel, Sharaa also announced plans to send a government delegation to Sweida, a Druze-majority city in the southwest of Syria. This gesture aimed to demonstrate the commitment to serving the needs of the community in Sweida and highlighted the rich diversity of sects that make up Syria’s social fabric.
Amid concerns about the future of Syria after years of civil war, Sharaa has engaged with various foreign dignitaries in recent days, underscoring his focus on the reconstruction and recovery of the war-torn nation. The diplomatic outreach and reassurances provided by Sharaa are part of a broader effort to address the anxieties and uncertainties within Syria and among international observers.
The meeting between Sharaa and Jumblatt symbolizes a potential shift towards stability and collaboration in the region, as key leaders seek to navigate the complexities of post-conflict Syria while upholding the rights and interests of all its inhabitants.
