Speaking to world leaders in Davos, the foreign minister of the Syrian jihadist regime promised that the country is moving in a more left-liberal and Western direction, protecting minorities, dissenters and women’s rights.

In addition, Syria will open up to foreign exploitation, promises Asaad al-Shaibani, who says the al-Qaeda-linked regime now “plan to attract foreign investment and establish partnerships with all countries of the world”.

During the World Economic Forum in Davos, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair held a public dialogue with the Foreign Minister of the Islamist movement Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Asaad al-Shaibani.

It was HTS that overthrew Bashar al-Assad at the end of last year and seized power in large parts of the country. The diplomat is described as a key figure in the jihadist terror group’s quest to be legitimized by the outside world in general and the West in particular and recognized as Syria’s rightful leadership.

Blair, who was UK Prime Minister between 1997 and 2007, has a long history of advocating war and invasion and has also been involved in more military conflicts than any other British Prime Minister. He was one of the driving forces behind the 2003 invasion of Iraq, but has also ordered bombings and attacks on Serbia, Sierra Leone and Afghanistan, among others.

During the conversation with the foreign minister of Syria’s Islamist regime, however, Blair chose a much softer approach, asking no critical questions at all. Instead, according to observers, the entire conversation seemed to focus on trying to legitimize the jihadist regime as a moderate and democratic force and focus on what they intend to do to appease the West and benefit globalist interests.

Watching Tony Blair – a man who started two major wars in Afghanistan and Iraq with Al-Qaeda as an excuse – giving a very gentle interview to Syria’s foreign minister at the WEF right now is very symbolic to me, as well as disturbing. pic.twitter.com/jzGuSygxzT

— Dr Tallha Abdulrazaq (@TalAbdulrazaq) January 22, 2025

“Open economy”

The Islamist HTS movement has long been accused of oppressing, imprisoning and killing dissidents and minorities in the areas it controls – but in Davos, al-Shaibani pledged to form an “inclusive” government where minorities are protected.

Women’s rights are also on the rise in the country, he said, noting that the new head of the central bank is a woman.

In a playful response to Tony Blair, Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani remarked, “We gave her the money,” referring to Maysaa Sabrine, the current governor of Syria’s Central Bank. pic.twitter.com/HUQXpauB33

— The New Arab (@The_NewArab) January 23, 2025

– No one should be punished because of their origin, social or religious affiliation, or membership in certain groups, the Foreign Secretary went on to promise, and Blair looked visibly pleased.

But perhaps the most important issues for the Davos elite were the future of the Syrian economy and the potential for further exploitation. Here, Al-Shaibani gave a reassuring message to those gathered, promising that “Syria will have an open economy”.

– We plan to attract foreign investment and establish partnerships with all countries around the world.

Calling for sanctions to be lifted

According to the Foreign Minister, building communications, roads, ports, education, hospitals and energy supply are now top priorities – and to do this, the West must end its sanctions.

– Removing economic sanctions is key for the stability of Syria. The reason for these sanctions is now in Moscow, he said, referring to former Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad who was granted asylum in Russia.

The Foreign Minister further promised that Syria will be an extremely peaceful nation going forward and will not “pose a threat to any country in the world”.

In other interviews, the minister has also promised that the country will now “explore public-private partnerships to encourage investment” in the country – but it is not yet clear with whom these talks have been held.

A spectacle?

As for the sanctions that have hit the Syrian people very hard in recent years, the US has already announced that it is starting to lift some of them. The EU’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas wants European countries to do the same – as long as the new Islamist regime shows signs of being “inclusive”, progressive and caring for women and minorities.

However, not everyone is impressed with Blair’s talks with Asaad al-Shaibani, arguing that the main purpose of the discussion was to demonstrate to those gathered that Syria’s new leadership is willing to submit economically and geopolitically to the West and recognize its supremacy.

Tony Blair interviews Al-Qaeda/HTS Syria

The real and only question Mr Blair asked the new rulers of Damascus and Syria was this:
Are you former terrorists willing to accept Western dominance over Syria? Do you accept that we use your natural resources and minerals?
We want… pic.twitter.com/ohS9lMUsHV

— Syriac Analysis (@Assyrian2) January 24, 2025

Others say that the uncritical tone and questions of the conversation are ridiculous, and that it is quite clear that the message being conveyed is that the movement, which until recently was seen as fundamentalist extremists and dangerous terrorists, should now be seen as a legitimate partner.

Mr. Blair and his fellow travelers are also accused of hypocrisy, having previously condemned Mr. Assad for his alleged crimes and alleged crimes against humanity, but having no objection whatsoever to cooperating with actors accused of similar – or worse – abuses.