Critics say Syria’s fledgling government is hobbling military preparedness as it redoes the country’s forces from scratch.
The visit by President Ahmed al-Shara is another step in the transformation of the former rebel leader once wanted by the United States as a terrorist.
Ahmed al-Shara has shifted shapes many times during his ascent from rebel commander to national leader. This week, he is expected to be the first Syrian president to address the U.N. General Assembly in 58 years.
Ahmed al-Shara has shifted shapes many times during his ascent from rebel commander to national leader. This week, he is expected to be the first Syrian president to address the U.N. General Assembly in 58 years.
The ex-rebels now in control of Syria say they are ending rule by fear, overhauling the security and prison systems, and holding elections. But concerns over sectarianism and inclusivity remain.
An inquiry found that members of the new government’s forces took part in killing Syrian civilians during sectarian fighting in March, but found no evidence that they acted on government orders.