Ahmed al-Sharaa, the leader of Syria’s new administration, expressed confidence that 14 million displaced Syrians will return to their homeland within two years following the collapse of Bashar Assad’s regime.
In an interview with Dubai-based filmmaker and YouTube content creator Joe HaTTab, aired on Sunday, Al-Sharaa emphasized that after the fall of the 61-year-old Baath regime in December, Syrians who were forced to flee are already starting to return.
“I am confident that 14 million Syrians will return to their country in two years, with only about 1 to 1.5 million remaining abroad,” he stated.
Al-Sharaa criticized the former regime for using state institutions to oppress and dominate the population, employing tactics like torture and killings.
He highlighted his administration’s commitment to justice as a key foundation for Syria’s rebuilding and development.
“If the state is weak, the citizens of that country cannot be strong,” he remarked, stressing the importance of short-, medium-, and long-term planning for public institutions, legislative bodies, and other sectors in the country’s reconstruction.
Al-Sharaa acknowledged that addressing Syria’s current challenges will take time, but he believes consistent planning and public education can help overcome them.
He also noted that the Syrian people have triumphed over despair through their revolution.
“Now, Syrians hold their heads high everywhere. We have changed the course of history,” he said.
Emphasizing national unity, he added, “There is social consensus in Syria. For the first time, people will be able to live together with love.”
Al-Sharaa asserted that the revolution is complete with the regime’s collapse, and it is now time to shift from a revolutionary mindset to a state-focused approach.
Describing the new administration’s goal as “victory without vengeance,” he supported reconciliation efforts and an amnesty policy for those who switched allegiances after the regime’s fall. However, he made exceptions for those involved in torture, barrel bombings, or massacres, such as those at Sednaya Prison, who would not be granted amnesty.
After nearly 25 years in power, Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia on December 8, following the capture of Damascus by anti-regime forces, ending the Baath Party’s long reign. The takeover came after Hayat Tahrir al-Sham fighters captured key cities in a swift offensive that lasted less than two weeks. A new administration under Al-Sharaa has since assumed control of Syria.
