Al-Sharaa — Coded Messages!

Dr. Dhib Al-Qaraleh

At a time when Arab political elites were closely following leaked reports about the fate of the anticipated Syrian-Israeli security agreement, a short video—no longer than 22 seconds—showing Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa skillfully playing billiards dominated social media discussions. Reactions were sharply divided between supporters and critics, optimists and skeptics.

What made the clip particularly striking was its timing and the caption accompanying it: “Double target — lower cost, greater impact.” This came amid Syria’s severe political, security, and economic crises, triggering widespread debate over its implications. Was it merely a spontaneous recreational moment, or a deliberate political signal aimed at specific audiences? Did it reflect aspects of al-Sharaa’s personality and psychological state, or was there a deeper strategic reading behind such behavior? This is especially relevant given al-Sharaa’s well-known talent for symbolic messaging, evident in his speech at the Doha Arab Summit and in his remarks about loyalty to Idlib after returning from New York.

Logically, the release of this video—preceded by an earlier clip of him playing basketball—was hardly coincidental. Rather, it appears to be part of a carefully designed media strategy. The written commentary reinforced this interpretation:
“What matters is hitting your target at the end of the road. Some may think you’ve changed direction, but in the end, you strike precisely where it counts.”

These phrases carry clear political undertones, suggesting that President al-Sharaa is pursuing a calculated plan to achieve his objectives even if his moves appear inconsistent on the surface. Such activities can thus be seen as coded messages signaling that Syria’s new leadership is confident, firm in its course, and firmly in control despite mounting crises.

These “encrypted messages” seem directed both inward and outward. Domestically, they reassure supporters and warn opponents that the state remains stable and that the president is capable of “scoring goals.” Externally, they convey to allies and adversaries alike that foreign pressure has not shaken him and that internal conditions are under control and moving toward recovery.

From a political psychology perspective, a leader finding time for recreation amid deep national crises allows for dual interpretations. Positively, it may reflect emotional resilience and strong nerve control under extreme pressure. Negatively, it could signal detachment from reality or a form of denial regarding the severity of the country’s hardships.

Public reactions to the billiards video mirrored this divide. Critics responded with sharp sarcasm, viewing it as evidence of irresponsibility and insensitivity to a population burdened by daily struggles, particularly in light of ongoing Israeli violations of Syrian sovereignty. Supporters, however, interpreted it as an intentional shift away from crisis rhetoric toward normalcy—an attempt to signal that the era of existential danger has passed and that Syria is entering a phase of relative stability.

Undoubtedly, those orchestrating this type of political imagery hope to craft a new public persona for al-Sharaa—one portraying him as a multifaceted leader skilled in both politics and sport. They likely believe such portrayals can resonate with younger generations and restore public hope for normal life after fourteen years of war.

History shows, however, that political propaganda of this kind—dating back to figures such as Hitler—is a double-edged sword. Its success ultimately depends on tangible results on the ground. If al-Sharaa manages to deliver political, economic, and security achievements for Syria, these scenes will later be remembered as evidence of confident leadership and strategic foresight. If crises persist or deepen, the same images may become documented liabilities—symbols of empty spectacle, much as Syrians recall former President Bashar al-Assad’s staged appearances, such as dining casually in Damascus restaurants, meant to portray the country as safe and stable.

Ultimately, this unconventional communication tactic—blending visual boldness with symbolic ambiguity—will require concrete proof through governance rather than imagery. Only real achievements will determine whether these messages are remembered as signs of strategic brilliance or as superficial performances in a nation yearning for genuine recovery.