Ahmed al-Sharaa

Ahmed al-Sharaa is the current President of Syria, having risen to power after rebel forces seized control in December 2024, toppling Bashar al-Assad. He is newsworthy due to recent developments in Syria, particularly the Syrian government's agreement with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to gradually integrate Kurdish forces and institutions into the state. This agreement follows weeks of clashes between Syrian troops and the SDF, during which the government reclaimed territory. Al-Sharaa has met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss stabilizing Syria and securing Russian military bases. He has also received praise from US President Donald Trump for the Syrian army's offensive against the SDF. Al-Sharaa's leadership is significant as he navigates the complex political landscape of Syria, balancing relations with Russia and the US while attempting to unify the country and address the status of Kurdish minorities, including granting them citizenship.