Balance of Power

Syria Leader Navigates Between US and Israel

Strikes and clashes in Syria expose Sharaa’s challenge in stabilizing his war-ravaged country.

Syria's security forces drive through the predominantly Druze city of Suwayda as smoke rises following Israeli bombardment on July 15.

Photographer: Bakr Alkasem/AFP

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Since leading the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in December, Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa has received notable support from the US along with key regional players such as Saudi Arabia.