23.09.2025 10:22
The Syrian leader Shara, who is in the United States to attend the United Nations General Assembly, met with former CIA director Petraeus, who captured him years ago. The "old days" dialogue between the two drew attention. In a part of the interview, Petraeus's statement, "You have many admirers, and I am one of them," became one of the most talked-about expressions.
Shara, who is in New York City, USA, to attend the 80th session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, answered questions related to the agenda at the Concordia Summit moderated by General David Petraeus, the former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
THE "OLD DAYS" DIALOGUE CAUGHT ATTENTION
The 2025 Concordia Summit witnessed one of the most interesting moments in global politics. Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara met on stage with David Petraeus, the former US Commander in Iraq who captured him 20 years ago. The "old days" dialogue that took place between the two during the interview drew attention.
"THERE WAS WAR BACK THEN"
During the interview, Petraeus asked, "We were on different sides in Iraq at that time. Can you tell us how you went from Al-Qaeda 20 years ago to here today?" Shara calmly replied, "There was war back then, now there is dialogue. We cannot judge the past by today's rules, nor can we judge today by the rules of the past."
"I AM ONE OF YOUR FANS TOO"
During the conversation, Petraeus's remark to Shara, "Are you getting enough sleep? I was there too, I know it’s tough. You have many fans, and I am one of them," surprised the audience.
Once a prisoner of US forces, Shara was welcomed on stage today as the President of Syria with admiration-filled words from his former enemy, Petraeus. His response, laughing at Petraeus's words, "I was the one who captured you once," created an unforgettable moment in the hall.
Ahmed al-Shara was captured by the US 20 years ago and was released after being detained for 5 years, after which a $10 million bounty was placed on his head. Today, however, he appeared on stage as a head of state at the global summit.