Syria’s New President Ahmad Al Shara: A Reflection on His Humble Beginnings and Community Optimism

Ahmad Al Shara, the new president of Syria, was fondly remembered by his childhood barber as a quiet and kind boy. His recent visits to the barber shop have highlighted his desire to reconnect with his roots, bringing comfort and optimism to the local community during a time of political transition in Syria.

Ahmad Al Shara, Syria’s newly elected president, is described by his childhood barber, Mohammad Mustafa Ouglo, as a calm boy who enjoyed playing football and praying at a local mosque. Mr. Ouglo recounted memories from Al Shara’s youth in the Mazzeh suburb of Damascus, where he played with other children and visited the barber shop often with his family. The Al Shara family, which previously owned a grocery store and a real estate brokerage, lost everything when they fled the neighborhood in 2014 due to the ongoing civil war. Mr. Ouglo recognized Al Shara immediately during his recent return to the salon, despite the years apart. He vividly recalled Al Shara as a reserved and gentle child who was not very sociable until later in life, frequently attending prayers and sometimes encouraging friends to join him. During Al Shara’s visit to the barber, Mr. Ouglo chose to refrain from discussing politics and instead asked how he was doing. Al Shara arrived at the salon with his wife and children, who waited outside. While getting his haircut, he addressed residents’ concerns about electricity in their area, assuring them that they should be patient. The new president sought to reconnect with locations from his childhood during his time in Damascus, visiting his hometown, school, and mosque. Mr. Ouglo indicated that Al Shara appeared unchanged, as he asked after the barber’s family and reflected on their time apart. Reminiscing about their school days, Mr. Ouglo noted that boys were typically expected to maintain short hair, although Al Shara had particular instructions for his recent haircut regarding his beard and moustache. Following his initial visit, Al Shara returned for a second haircut and made similar requests, which mostly went unnoticed by locals. After being named president, Al Shara’s visits ceased, and despite Mr. Ouglo once being dubbed “Al Shara’s barber,” he has not seen an increase in clientele, with many customers fleeing the country. The barber mentioned that loyalty prevails, as in Syria, individuals do not typically switch barbers even for a high-profile visit. Nevertheless, optimism thrives among the people about Al Shara’s presidency amid rapid political transformation in Syria. “I am very happy he is the president, I am very optimistic,” said Mr. Ouglo, emphasizing that the general sentiment among citizens reflects a desire for a better future for their country.

In summary, Ahmad Al Shara, known for his humble beginnings, carries the hopes of many Syrians as their new president. His childhood memories and connections manifest a narrative of optimism and renewal in a country that has endured immense challenges. The community perspectives reflect a hopeful outlook for Syria’s future under his leadership as they navigate changing political landscapes.

Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com