Just one year ago, Ahmad al-Sharaa stepped into the Syrian presidency during a critical transitional phase, marking the end of the former regime. What followed was a whirlwind of decisive changes that have reshaped the nation, ending years of international isolation and redefining Syria’s place in the world. Officials are now calling it a “new era” focused on unity, reconstruction, and stability.
From day one, President Sharaa initiated sweeping reforms. He quickly dissolved the old regime’s power structures, including the parliament and security services, and suspended the 2012 constitution. Armed factions were integrated into state institutions, and a transitional constitutional declaration was drafted, outlining a five-year path forward. Economic reforms also took center stage, with major energy agreements restoring reliable power and a significant 200% raise for public sector salaries to ease living pressures. A National Transitional Justice Commission was formed to promote reconciliation, and Kurdish rights were affirmed, including recognition of Kurdish as a national language.
Perhaps the most dramatic shift has been Syria’s return to the global stage. Sharaa embarked on an intensive diplomatic campaign, visiting Ankara, addressing the UN General Assembly, and holding high-level talks in Moscow and Washington, including a landmark visit to the White House. These efforts culminated in the lifting of the Caesar Act and broader international sanctions, ending over a decade of economic isolation. Syria even exported its first crude oil shipment in 14 years and launched a new national currency.
As his first year concludes, Syria stands at the threshold of a new chapter. With sanctions gone, sovereignty restored, and a clear political roadmap, President Sharaa’s leadership has steered the country towards reconstruction, stability, and national unity.
