Since the beginning of the third millennium, the Middle East has witnessed a series of major events which have reshaped the geopolitical landscape, the regimes in some countries, and the international policies in the region.
The fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria on December 8th is highlighted as one of the most important of these events. This event not only ended more than five decades of rule by the Assad family and Baath Party. It not only caused regional geopolitical turmoil, but also brought to power an exceptional personality, Ahmed al-Sharaa, who changed Syria and changed himself with it.
Therefore, it was not surprising that the American “Time” magazine chose Al-Sharaa as one of the hundred most influential international political figures of the year.
This is the first time that the magazine has included a person with a previous Islamic background in the list of influential leaders globally. For example, in 2013, Bashar Al-Assad was listed as one of the most influential people in the country in the midst of a major geopolitical conflict, but he did not have a background similar to al-Sharaa.
On the other hand, choosing al-Sharaa in the list shows the interest of the world in his efforts to overcome the past and prove his ability to administer Syria, unite it and build a new state, and to deal with the geopolitical challenges which attract many regional and international actors.
“Time” is based on the standards of global impact and achievements which change the course of developments, policies or societies, regardless of whether this impact is positive or negative.
While explaining this choice, “Time” has said that al-Sharaa balances between the extremists whom he led in the past, and the Syrian liberals who welcomed the fall of Assad. It has noted his experience in ruling northwest Syria and his communication with the religious minorities in the region.
This article promotes al-Sharaa as a Syrian leader who aspires to lead the country, taking into account its religious, ethnic and cultural diversity, and its great regional influence. Although the standards of “Time” do not necessarily seek to give a positive or negative character to international personalities, the way it has talked about al-Sharaa tends to be positive, considering the great transformation of his personality since he took power in Syria.
He was controversial in the international community when he took over the leadership of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), as his name was then associated with cross-border projects about which there are a lot of reservations. But with the passage of time, he changed his vision to engage in the Syrian project, focusing on the local objectives of the revolution, and on top of that, overthrowing the existing regime, which was established through repression, tyranny, and sectarian structure.
As the only Arab personality in the category of leaders in the “Time” list, along with international personalities such as US President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, shows al-Sharaa as a symbol of the globally influential Arab leadership.
The conflict in Syria has significantly distorted the international viewpoint about the country. After the overthrow of the Assad regime, many Western countries seek to overcome these perceptions, or at least limit their influence as the main determinant of their policies towards Syria. And these countries are trying to redirect their efforts towards supporting Syria in its transition towards building a new state, while ensuring that it does not return to the continuation of the conflict.
[by Mahmoud Allouch in Aljazeera]
Compiled and translated by Faizul Haque