Guterres: Syria Must Lead Its Own Transition
- United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has voiced optimism regarding Syria's political transition, even as the country continues to grapple with the aftermath of a devastating conflict.
- Guterres acknowledged that Syria faces challenges "much more than a political transition," but also highlighted "the possibility to rebuild shattered communities and heal deep divisions." He pledged the...
- Notably, Guterres called on the international community to facilitate the work of the transitional president, Ahmed al Shara, who formerly led HTS.This request is particularly meaningful given HTS's...
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UN Secretary-General Guterres Expresses hope for Syria’s Transition, Calls for International Support
Table of Contents
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has voiced optimism regarding Syria’s political transition, even as the country continues to grapple with the aftermath of a devastating conflict. His statement,released on Sunday,December 6,2025,came on the eve of Bashar al-Assad’s departure from power following a series of offensives led by the dissolved jihadist institution Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
Guterres acknowledged that Syria faces challenges “much more than a political transition,” but also highlighted “the possibility to rebuild shattered communities and heal deep divisions.” He pledged the UN’s full support for a successful transition, characterizing the obstacles as “considerable but not insurmountable.”
Notably, Guterres called on the international community to facilitate the work of the transitional president, Ahmed al Shara, who formerly led HTS.This request is particularly meaningful given HTS’s history as a designated terrorist organization by the UN Security Council Resolution 1267. The transition of leadership from Assad to a former HTS leader presents a complex and potentially controversial shift.
“The past year has shown that significant change is possible when the Syrian population is empowered and supported to lead their own transition,” Guterres stated. He also noted progress in restoring essential services, expanding humanitarian access, and creating pathways for the return of refugees and displaced people.
Guterres emphasized the need for sustained international support,including respecting Syria’s sovereignty,removing obstacles to reconstruction,funding humanitarian appeals,promoting economic growth,and ensuring tangible benefits for Syrians. He concluded by reiterating the importance of a Syrian-led and controlled transition.
Background: The Syrian Civil War and the Rise of HTS
The Syrian Civil War began in March 2011 as part of the broader Arab Spring uprisings. Initially a protest against the authoritarian rule of Bashar al-Assad, it quickly escalated into a complex multi-sided conflict involving the Syrian government, various rebel groups, and extremist organizations. The Council on Foreign Relations provides a detailed overview of the syrian conflict.
Hayat tahrir al-Sham (HTS) emerged in 2017 as a dominant force in the Idlib province, formed through a merger of various jihadist groups, including Jabhat al-Nusra, the former Syrian branch of al-Qaeda. Al Jazeera details the history and evolution of HTS. The group’s dissolution, as mentioned in the statement, is a recent development, and the circumstances surrounding it remain unclear.
Key Figures
- Bashar al-Assad: the former President of Syria, in power since 2000.
- António Guterres: The current Secretary-General of the United Nations.
- Ahmed al Shara: The newly appointed transitional president of Syria and former leader of HTS.
Challenges and Opportunities for the Transition
The appointment of Ahmed al