Fri Jan 31 22:41:04 IST 2025: ## New Syrian President Pledges Unity in First Address Amidst International Scrutiny
**DAMASCUS** – Syria’s newly inaugurated President, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has vowed to unify the war-torn nation in his inaugural address. His promise comes amidst intense international pressure to deliver on pledges of inclusivity and reform after more than a decade of conflict.
Al-Sharaa announced the establishment of a temporary, broadly representative legislative council to govern the country until further reforms are implemented. This council, he stated, will include members from Syria’s diverse groups and factions.
However, the success of his pledge remains uncertain. Experts express skepticism regarding Al-Sharaa’s ability to heal deep societal divides and improve the lives of Syrians battered by years of war.
Danny Al-Baaj, Vice President of the Syrian Forum for Advocacy and Public Relations and former cabinet member under the deputy foreign minister, along with Joshua Landis, Director of the Center for Middle East Studies at the University of Oklahoma, and Mohammad Al Abdallah, Executive Director of the Syria Justice and Accountability Centre, are among those closely monitoring the situation. Their analysis will be crucial in assessing the new president’s ability to fulfill his promises and bring lasting peace and stability to Syria. The international community will be keenly observing Al-Sharaa’s actions in the coming months to determine whether his words translate into meaningful change.
First Piper 