Syrian President Ash-Shaar Discusses Israel, Golan Heights, and Past in US Forum
Syrian President Ahmad al-Shaar spoke at the Atlantic Council in New York on September 22, during the UN General Assembly session. His address offered a detailed look at Syria's relations with Israel and the US, the future of the Golan Heights, foreign troop presence, and his own past. The discussion was moderated by former White House coordinator Brett McGurk.
Al-Shaar stated that direct negotiations with Israel, mediated by the US, had been ongoing for about a year and were close to an agreement, with "almost 90% of the arrangements" reached. However, he claimed Israel backed away from understandings or introduced new conditions. He emphasized that the negotiation channel remains open and that Syria's position is for Israel to withdraw from territories occupied after December 8, 2024, to the 1974 ceasefire lines, followed by security arrangements and then a lasting peace. He asserted that the problem lies with Israel's policies, not Syria's, and that Israel's pursuit of security creates more problems.
Addressing the October 7th attacks, al-Shaar expressed understanding for the suffering of civilians but argued that Israeli policy should not be solely defined by this single event. He contrasted the number of victims on October 7th with the over 70,000 casualties in Gaza, including women and children. He stated that protecting Israel's security requires respecting the security of others.
Regarding the Golan Heights, al-Shaar reiterated Syria's claim to the territory. He recounted a joke he told then-President Donald Trump, suggesting Trump give New Jersey to Israelis instead of recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan, as the Golan does not belong to the US to give away.
Al-Shaar also discussed foreign military presence, noting a significant reduction in Russian facilities from approximately 170 to two key sites, Hmeimim and Tartus, which are now designated as training centers for Syrian forces. He stated that Damascus is negotiating with Ankara regarding Turkish military presence in the northwest and presented the US troop withdrawal as a successful model of leaving without conflict after agreements.
Internally, al-Shaar stressed the transition to a state governed by law and institutions, not individuals, with a new constitution planned within five years. He did not confirm if he would run for president, stating his focus is on current governance but not ruling out future participation if needed for reforms. He also briefly touched on Lebanon, stating that all weapons there should be under state control.
When questioned about his past as Jabhat al-Nusra leader Abu Muhammad al-Jolani and his oath to Al-Qaeda, al-Shaar deflected, calling it a past issue and stating he had answered it many times, suggesting it was inappropriate to discuss events from 25 years ago when circumstances and his views were different.
