ALBAWABA - A video of Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa riding a black horse has gone viral, igniting widespread reactions across social media platforms. In the footage, Al-Sharaa is seen wearing a leather jacket and black jeans, giving him a casual appearance.
Many users admired his horseback riding skills, particularly as he was riding an Arabian horse, earning him the nickname "Knight of the Levant."
Since the fall of former Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad on December 8, Al-Sharaa has remained at the center of public attention, with Syrians closely following his every move. As the country navigates its transitional phase after 14 years of war, destruction, and displacement, his actions continue to generate discussion on social media.
However, some critics argue that the timing of these images is questionable, given the ongoing hardships many Syrians face, including poverty, hunger, and service disruptions. To them, the scene appears disconnected from the reality of daily struggles, raising concerns about the priorities of the transitional government.
The fall of Assad’s regime came faster than many had anticipated. The defining moment was the opening of the infamous Sednaya Prison on December 8, 2024, which led to the release of thousands of detainees. This event symbolized the success of the Syrian revolution and marked a major turning point in the country’s history.
Ahmed Al-Sharaa, formerly a leader in the armed opposition, assumed the presidency in Syria’s transitional government. Born in 1982, he initially fought against the U.S. invasion of Iraq under Al-Qaeda and was later imprisoned for five years. After moving to Syria, he founded "Jabhat Al-Nusra," a group that served as an Al-Qaeda affiliate in Syria. However, in July 2016, he publicly severed ties with Al-Qaeda due to ideological differences and rebranded the group as "Jabhat Fath Al-Sham", which later evolved into "Hay'at Tahrir Al-Sham."
As Syria moves into a new chapter, Al-Sharaa’s leadership remains under close scrutiny, with debates over his governance style and the long-term stability of the country. While his horseback riding may have impressed some, others see it as a symbolic act disconnected from the pressing challenges that Syrians continue to endure.
