Distinguished Speakers Series: "Syria’s Crossroads: Revolution, Governance, and the Future of Leadership" with Wael Al-Sawah

The San Diego World Affairs Council Presents

"Syria’s Crossroads: Revolution, Governance, and the Future of Leadership"

featuring:

Wael Al-Sawah

Saturday, February 22nd, 2025

10:30am - 12:00pm

Location:

Hall of Nations 

2191 West Pan American Road

Balboa Park

About the Program

The dramatic and wholly unexpected fall of the Assad regime on December 8, 2025 has altered the course of Syrian history and shifted geopolitical balances across the Levant and the greater Middle East. How did Assad fall so suddenly from power despite overt support from Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah? Who is Ahmad Al-Sharaa, and what is his vision for Syria? What does the fall of Assad mean for Israel and the Arab world? 

Wael Al-Sawah will firstly offer his expert and experienced analysis of the situation facing the newly-installed Sharaa regime. In his words “the fall of the Assad regime marks a monumental turning point in Syria’s history and offers an unparalleled opportunity to rebuild a state founded on justice, equality, and democracy”. In his lecture Al-Sawah will review the historical precedents of regime shifts since Syrian independence in 1946. He will also address the opportunities and various challenges facing the Sharaa regime. Following Wael’s presentation there will be an opportunity for audience members to ask questions.

About Wael al-Sawah

Wael al-Sawah is a Syrian writer and researcher specializing in Levantine politics and civil society. He is the president of Pro-Justice, a California-based nonprofit dedicated to combating impunity. Al-Sawah serves as the Secretary of the American Coalition for Syria and is a member of the Advisory Board for the Syria Program at the Middle East Institute in Washington. He also holds the position of editor-in-chief at The Syrian Observer.

Between 2006 and 2012, Al-Sawah worked for the US Embassy Damascus as Political Analyst and Advisor. He has authored novels and short stories and has co-authored several books in both Arabic and English.

Previous Roles and Affiliations:

• Former Executive Director of The Day After.
• Former Executive Director of the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression.
• Former Political Analyst at the US Embassy, Damascus.
• Member of the Steering Committee for the Temporary Compensation Project.
• Fellow at the Hoover Institution in the United States.