Ahmad al-Sharaa on 2024 offensive decision
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa rejected the idea that the 2024 offensive was set up by outside powers. He said the military operation was launched despite widespread doubts and was "completely our own decision." At the time, he noted, hope in the revolution was fading, Turkey was under pressure over refugees, and military options weren't seen as realistic, reconciliation was the main path, with fears a failed push would trigger Russian airstrikes and another refugee wave. Even Arab states, except Qatar, were seeking normalization with Assad to pull Syria from Iranian influence.
