Syria’s Interim President Calls for Unity Amid Fresh Fighting
New York TimesMAR 16
Syria Ends Military Operation Against Assad Loyalists
Above: Security forces loyal to the interim Syrian government ride in the back of a vehicle moving along a road in Syria's western city of Latakia on March 9, 2025. Image copyright: Omar Haj Kadour/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Despite the tragic violence following Assad's ouster, Syria's interim government under Ahmed al-Sharaa is making strides toward peace. Efforts to negotiate with the SDF and promising Kurdish rights, language recognition, and integration into a national army also show intent to end all conflicts. Supported by regional aid, these steps, though fragile, indicate progress toward stability and unity after years of division.
Narrative B
While al-Sharaa's message initially seems positive, the reality on the ground makes it hard to believe. The terrorist-led interim government is massacring innocent Alawites and targeting Christians, with entire families slaughtered. Meanwhile, Israel's occupation of the Golan and threats to encroach further on the Druze community signal more carnage — undermining any hope of peace despite promises of justice.