An awkward, yet amusing, caught-on-camera moment starring Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has gone viral over the past day.
In the clip, taken from an on-stage interview at Chatham House on Tuesday, the Syrian President and former Jihadi terrorist, known for his manliness and strength, struggles to open the flip-top bottle of water, hands it to the interviewer, and smiles awkwardly as she opens it.
In the interview, President al-Sharaa addressed issues including Syria’s reconstruction, regional tensions, and future political plans.
Speaking with Chatham House Director and Chief Executive Bronwen Maddox, al-Sharaa discussed his government’s stance on Iran and the ongoing war involving the US and Israel.
“There is no doubt that Iran… was at the forefront of the conflict led by the [former] regime against the Syrian people," al-Sharaa said. He added, however, that Syria’s dispute was not with Iran as a state, but with its actions inside Syria. “Our problem was with Iran in Damascus, because it was occupying Syrian villages and towns, displacing people."
He noted that Syria has refrained from establishing ties with Tehran so far, while warning of broader consequences of the current conflict. “The war currently underway is negatively affecting the region by disrupting energy and fuel supplies, which in turn affects the global economy… What we had been advising was that they should look for a negotiated solution."
Addressing Syria’s role in the conflict, al-Sharaa stated that the country would avoid involvement unless directly targeted. “Certainly, unless Syria is subjected to direct attacks by any party, it will remain outside this conflict. Fourteen years of war are enough for Syria… we are not prepared to go through a new experience."
On the issue of weapons transfers to Hezbollah in Lebanon, al-Sharaa said his government was focused on border security. “Protecting the borders requires that those responsible for securing them prevent the entry of weapons and cases of smuggling," he said, while noting the impact of Hezbollah’s past involvement in Syria.
Regarding relations with Israel, al-Sharaa said that efforts had been made through both indirect and direct channels. “We reached good points, but at the last moments we always find a shift in the Israeli position," he stated.
Maddox also questioned al-Sharaa about his timeline for elections. In response, he said that steps had already been taken toward that goal, including a national dialogue conference and a constitutional declaration establishing a five-year transitional term.
“During this period, we also conducted elections for the People’s Assembly, whose first session will begin next month," al-Sharaa said. He added that further measures would follow, stating that “we have reviewed the laws and laid the groundwork for holding free elections in Syria."