Syrian President Al-Shara: "I Don't Trust Israel"
2025 | Geopolitics Analysis
Historic Statements at a Critical Juncture
In a landmark interview published Friday, September 19, 2025, Syrian President Ahmed Al-Shara made significant revelations about Syria's evolving stance on regional and international issues. The interview, broadcast on Syrian television and originally published in Turkey's "Milliyet" newspaper, comes at a pivotal transitional period for Syria after years of war and international isolation.
Syrian President Ahmed Al-Shara during a recent media appearance
Statements on Israel: Between Distrust and Security Necessities
Lack of Trust in Israel
President Al-Shara stated unequivocally: "If the question is whether I trust Israel? The answer is: I don't trust them." This declaration follows recent attacks and ongoing indirect negotiations with Israel.
Security Agreement Despite Distrust
Despite this distrust, Al-Shara affirmed that reaching a security agreement with Israel is inevitable, though Israeli compliance with such an agreement remains doubtful. He revealed that U.S.-mediated talks have reached advanced stages and could yield an agreement within days.
| Aspect | Syrian Position | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Trust in Israel | No trust | "I don't trust Israel" |
| Israeli Targeting | Declaration of war | Targeting presidential palace and Defense Ministry |
| Security Agreement | Inevitable necessity | Advanced U.S.-mediated talks |
| Agreement Nature | Not normalization | No joining Abraham Accords |
Warnings About SDF and Kurdish Expansion
Key Concerns Raised:
- Potential Turkish military action if SDF integration fails
- Rejection of separatist demands beyond administrative decentralization
- SDF constitutes threat to Turkish and Iraqi national security
- Turkish patience may not extend beyond year's end
President Al-Shara warned that stalled integration of Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into state institutions before year's end could prompt Turkish military action. He blamed certain factions within "SDF" and the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) for obstructing implementation of signed agreements.
Regional Implications and Future Expectations
The Syrian president's statements come at a defining moment in modern Syrian history, as Damascus seeks to emerge from international isolation and rebuild its regional role after years of conflict.
| Issue | Previous Position | Current Position | Expected Future |
|---|---|---|---|
| Israel | Direct conflict | Indirect negotiations | Potential security agreement |
| SDF | Military conflict | Integration attempts | Either successful integration or confrontation with Turkey |
| International Relations | International isolation | Gradual return | Participation in international forums |
Conclusion: Syria at a Historic Crossroads
The combination of firmness in position through affirming distrust of Israel and rejecting separatist demands, with flexibility in means through openness to negotiations and security agreements, reflects a new strategic vision aimed at achieving Syrian interests in the post-war phase.
The success of this strategy depends on Damascus' ability to balance conflicting interests of regional and international parties while maintaining Syria's territorial unity and national sovereignty.