Ahmed al-Sharaa

How Syria’s president became the ‘star’ of the UN - analysis

The mere fact that a government changed and transitioned from a dictatorship to a fledgling, struggling democracy, however, isn’t usually enough to get star power at the UN.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa addresses the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at the UN headquarters in New York, US, September 24, 2025.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during a meeting with Italian President Sergio Mattarella at Quirinale Palace, in Rome, Italy, July 9, 2025.

Ukraine restores diplomatic relations with Syria, Zelensky says

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa addresses the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at the UN headquarters in New York, US, September 24, 2025.

'Israel's policy runs counter to the world, we are committed to dialogue,' Syria's Sharaa at UNGA

U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and U.S. special envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack speaks after meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (not pictured) at the presidential palace in Baabda, Lebanon August 26, 2025.

Syria, Israel near 'de-escalation' pact, US envoy says


Syria's Sharaa, in New York, renews call for US to formally drop sanctions

Sharaa, a former al-Qaeda leader, led rebel forces that overthrew Bashar al-Assad's government last year.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio shakes hands with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel, on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York City, US, September 22, 2025.

Sharaa to become first Syrian leader to attend UN meetings since 1967

Sharaa – a former al Qaeda leader who once had a $10 million bounty on his head – scored a major victory in May when he won recognition from US President Donald Trump at a meeting in Riyadh.

 President Ahmed al-Shara'a speaks during the formation of the new Syrian government. March 29, 2025.

‘Part of the problem’: Critics say UN lost credibility on Syria track

Opposition figures and experts argue that trust-building rhetoric and procedural disputes replaced substantive negotiations, leaving the constitutional process at a standstill.

Geir O. Pedersen, UN Special Envoy for Syria speaks with the Russian Foreign Minister during their meeting in Moscow, on July 22, 2021.

Ahmed al-Sharaa: Israel, Syria 'on the verge' of security agreement

“We are on the verge of a security agreement between Israel and Syria,” Sharaa and other senior officials said.

 (L-R) Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on the backdrop of Syrian and Israeli flags (illustrative)

Turkey moves to cement influence in Syria with security and transport deals - analysis

From security coordination to trade and aviation, Turkey is rapidly expanding its influence in post-conflict Syria.

 Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Erdogan urges Palestinian recognition, UK says it won’t create Palestinian state overnight

Turkish President Erdogan says he will address Israel’s actions in Gaza at the UN General Assembly and push for broader recognition of Palestinian statehood.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan attends a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China, September 1, 2025.

Syria risks rupturing as armed camps face off across the Euphrates

A lawless frontier under the control of armed groups with scores to settle, local tensions that confound leaders’ hopes for unity, and soldiers prepared to kill each other before they give ground.

Members of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) hold a flag in the divided city of Deir al-Zor, Syria December 7, 2024.

Syrian Israeli meeting in London discusses de-escalation within framework of 1974 agreement

Ron Dermer and Asaad Al-Shaibani are in talks about Golan Heights and border security.

 Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Julani, is seen in Damascus, Syria, on December 23, 2024.

Israeli-Syrian security pact expected to be signed by end of year - report

"There is progress in the talks with Israel" and “by the end of the year,” the two countries are expected to sign several agreements,  the official said.

 Illustrative of an Israel flag and Syria flag, with soldiers and weapons.

Damascus seeks stronger US, Turkey ties as key Sweida deal takes shape - analysis

Syria deepens ties with the US and Turkey ahead of the UNGA, seeking sanctions relief and talks.

Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa waves as he attends the “Aleppo, Key to Victory” celebration marking Syria’s liberation, in Aleppo, Syria May 27, 2025.

US diplomats on Syria abruptly let go amid pro-Damascus policy push, sources say

One of the people who spoke to Reuters, said "a handful" of staff at the SRP were told their tours were ending as part of a reorganization of the team.

 US special envoy for Syria, the ambassador to Turkey Thomas Barrack attends a flag-raising ceremony at the US ambassador's residence in Damascus on May 29, 2025 for the first time since 2011.