When the world leaders gathered in New York for the 80th session of the U.N. General Assembly, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s address was among the standout moments. It was the first time in nearly 60 years that a Syrian leader was addressing the U.N.
Mr. al-Sharaa’s speech came weeks ahead of elections in Syria. Mr. al-Sharaa, a former al-Qaeda jihadist, has claimed that this election will facilitate bringing together a transitional government in place. Citing the absence of the required infrastructure for a popular poll, the elections are being conducted using a tightly-defined electoral college system with several pre-conditions. The elections, though not representative, will usher Syria into a new political scenario after decades of the Ba’ath party rule.
