DAMASCUS. Syria’s de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa met with prominent Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt on Sunday, signaling efforts to reassure minorities of their protection following the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad two weeks ago.
During the meeting, Sharaa emphasized a vision for a united Syria that transcends sectarian divisions, describing it as “a new era far removed from sectarianism.” He stated, “We take pride in our culture, our religion, and our Islam. Being part of the Islamic environment does not mean the exclusion of other sects. On the contrary, it is our duty to protect them,” as quoted in a broadcast by Lebanese channel Al Jadeed.
Sharaa currently leads Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist group that spearheaded Assad’s removal on December 8. His leadership has raised concerns domestically and internationally about the potential imposition of strict Islamic governance in a nation home to diverse minority groups, including Druze, Kurds, Christians, and Alawites.
Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt, a veteran politician, expressed optimism during the meeting, stating that Assad’s departure could pave the way for constructive relations between Syria and Lebanon. The Druze, an Arab minority practicing a unique offshoot of Islam, have often been at the center of political and social dynamics in the region.
Sharaa, dressed in a suit and tie instead of his former rebel military fatigues, announced plans to send a government delegation to Sweida, a Druze-majority city in southwestern Syria. He pledged to improve services and underscored the importance of Syria’s “rich diversity of sects.”
In recent days, Sharaa has met with numerous foreign delegations as part of efforts to ease concerns about Syria’s future and to focus on the country’s reconstruction after 13 years of civil war. “The DA is working closely with market leaders to expand the program further, with plans to establish more KADIWA ng Pangulo kiosks across Luzon and eventually nationwide,” said Agriculture Assistant Secretary Genevieve Guevarra, head of the KADIWA program.
Observers note that Sharaa’s outreach to minority groups and promises to rebuild Syria reflect a bid to consolidate his leadership in the post-Assad era while addressing fears of marginalization among Syria’s diverse population.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
