The two faces of Syria’s new leader and the decision

There have been at least three attempts to assassinate Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa since he assumed leadership of Syria after toppling the Assad regime seven months ago.

The first time was in March when his Turkish security team identified suspicious movements at a time when the president was due to leave his palace. Three guards remained by his side. The terrorist was captured and interrogated but the incident was not made know to the public under the leader’s instructions. He hoped to portray himself in a positive light, without opposition.

Jihadist fighters torture, murder Druze in Syria

(Photo: Reuters)

The second time was when he visited Daraa Province near the Syrian border with Jordan. Then his security detail, made up of Turkish and Syrian guards, observed two suspicious people and changed his travel route at the last moment.

The third time was when an assailant lay in wait in Damascus, on a route used by Al Sharaa. Details of that attempt on his life have not been revealed but caused speculations and rumors that he had left the capital in haste.

Barrack’s comments allude to the fact that the U.S. is relying on Turkish intelligence. He agreed to say that there is concern for Al-Sharaa’s safety and added that a special security detail must be established to protect him.

U.S. envoy to Syria Tom Barrack raises the flag at the American embassy in Damascus

ISIS is likely behind the three assassination attempts but it is unclear how terrorists were able to enter Damascus armed with explosives.

Al-Sharaa’s weakness was exposed and he rushed to direct blame on Israel, claiming Israeli intervention threatened Syrian security, while avoiding mention of the attacks on the Druze.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel warned senior Syrian officials. According to reports, those warnings were relayed during the discussions between Syria and Israel, taking place in Azerbaijan. Israel also warned Ankara where, despite the public feud between the countries, talks on security have been ongoing. But the Turkish government was warned by Israel that it would be forced to respond to attacks on the Druze community in Syria.

Did Ankara relay the warnings to the presidential palace in Damascus? Probably. Did Al-Sharaa take them seriously? He now attempts to blame Israel for the atrocities committed and for attempting to cause frictions in Syrian society.

The burden of proof must be on him, to show Israel, the United States and Saudi Arabia that he had indeed changed his ways and moved away from a jihadist world view.

On the one hand Al Sharaa threw the Iranians out of Syria and committed to fighting only poverty and unemployment, and on the other hand he sent Jihadi forces, in Syrian military uniforms, to attack the Druze. There is no Syrian army.

The ruler will now face some hard choices. After accusing Israel and raising concern over his ability to rule, Syria and Israel will resume negotiations. Both countries have much to lose.