Could Syria finally be turning a page after years of conflict? UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen says there’s “hope” for a political rebirth following recent upheavals, though challenges remain. During talks in Damascus, Pedersen met with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) leaders, activists, and families of detainees, aiming to revive peace efforts under UN Resolution 2254.
“This could be the start of a new Syria,” Pedersen told reporters, emphasizing the need for a new constitution, free elections, and urgent economic recovery. He praised renewed truces in Kurdish-controlled areas but warned: “Peace won’t stick unless all regions feel included.”
With Syria’s economy in freefall, Pedersen called for humanitarian aid and sanctions relief. HTS leader Ahmad al-Shara doubled down on this, urging the world to lift sanctions in a BBC interview: “We’re no threat. Delist us as terrorists.” Al-Shara denied wanting an Afghanistan-style regime, stating Syria’s path would prioritize education and women’s rights.
While optimism is rising, Syrians know the road ahead isn’t smooth. As Pedersen put it: “It’s early days.” But for the first time in years, many are daring to dream of peace ✨.
