Syria’s President Addresses UN Marking End of Decades-Long Dictatorship, Vows Justice for Sectarian Violence and Lifting of Sanctions

In a historic address at the United Nations General Assembly, Syria’s newly appointed president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, marked the first time a Syrian leader has spoken at the global forum in almost six decades. The speech was broadcast live in cities and towns across the country, with citizens waving their national flags in celebration.

Al-Sharaa emphasized that Syria is reclaiming its position within the international community following six decades of authoritarian rule that resulted in the deaths of over a million people and the torture of hundreds of thousands. He asserted, “Syria is reasserting its rightful place among the nations of the world.”

Al-Sharaa’s speech was the first from a Syrian head of state since Noureddine Attasi addressed the assembly in 1967, shortly after the Arab-Israeli war during which Syria lost control of the Golan Heights. Israel later annexed the territory in 1981.

Tensions between Syria and the United States have been strained since the Assad family came to power in a bloodless coup in 1970, as Syria maintained ties with the former Soviet Union. Diplomatic representation at the U.N. General Assembly was traditionally handled by Syria’s foreign ministers.

The autocratic rule of the Assad dynasty in Syria, lasting over five decades, came to an abrupt end in December when President Bashar Assad was ousted following a swift insurgent offensive led by al-Sharaa. This marked a significant shift in the 14-year civil war.

In his address, al-Sharaa condemned Israel for its ongoing threats against Syria since the fall of Assad, stating that Israel’s policies contradict international support for Syria and its people, posing a threat to regional stability and potentially leading to unpredictable conflicts. Negotiations are currently underway for a security agreement aimed at withdrawing Israeli forces and returning to the 1974 disengagement agreement.

Al-Sharaa has taken steps to address the drug trade that was allegedly used by the previous government to fund its operations, which were under heavy Western sanctions that, along with the war, crippled Syria’s economy. Industrial-scale Captagon manufacturing facilities have been uncovered and closed as part of efforts to curb the illegal trade in this highly addictive stimulant drug.

Al-Sharaa called on Western nations to lift sanctions imposed on Syria during the Assad era, stating, “We urge the complete removal of these sanctions so they no longer serve as a means of oppressing the Syrian people.” President Trump announced in May that he would lift decades-old sanctions against Syria under Assad’s rule, and followed through by lifting or waiving many of them. However, the most stringent sanctions remain in place, imposed by Congress under the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, which requires congressional approval to be permanently removed.

Following his speech at the U.N., al-Sharaa expressed hope that the sanctions would eventually be lifted, stating, “Syria does not wish the pain it has endured for anyone. We stand with the people of Gaza.”

In Damascus, crowds gathered in Umayyad Square to celebrate al-Sharaa’s speech, while in New York City, members of the Syrian diaspora held dueling demonstrations, one in support of the new authorities in Syria and one against. Protesters on both sides expressed their opinions passionately, reflecting the ongoing complexities within Syrian society.