14.01.2026 20:03
A television channel based in the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq and broadcasting in Arabic decided at the last minute not to air an interview with Syrian President Ahmed Shara. The channel's management stated that the decision was made due to Shara's harsh statements targeting the terrorist organization YPG/SDF, while the Syrian Ministry of Information also issued a statement regarding the matter.
The Shams TV, based in the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) of Iraq and broadcasting in Arabic, decided not to air the interview conducted with Syrian President Ahmed Shara.
The decision not to broadcast the interview, recorded immediately after the clashes with the terrorist organization YPG/SDG in Aleppo, was considered a noteworthy development in terms of the political balances in the region.
"THERE WAS NO LANGUAGE TO CALM THE PROCESS"
According to the information obtained, the decision not to broadcast the interview was made at the final stage. In this preference, the particularly sensitive political environment in the region played a significant role. The management of Shams TV concluded that broadcasting the content under the current conditions could increase regional tension.
Shams TV General Manager Elie Nakouzi stated in a statement regarding the issue that Shara's statements in the interview were far from calming the tension. Nakouzi noted that instead of calling for calm and dialogue, Shara used harsh expressions targeting the SDG.
"WE CANNOT BROADCAST IN THIS LANGUAGE"
Nakouzi, who said, "We cannot broadcast in this language," expressed that the decision was shaped entirely in line with editorial responsibility and political sensitivities. The channel management agreed that broadcasting the interview in its current form would be risky, considering the balances in northern Syria. On the other hand, it is also discussed in the corridors that the recorded interview has not been completely shelved and could be reassessed and broadcast in the future if conditions change.
"DESPITE THE PRESENCE OF MANY LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL CHANNELS, HE PREFERRED A KURDISH CHANNEL"
On the other hand, in a written statement made by the Syrian Ministry of Information following the channel's decision, it was pointed out that Nakouzi did not publish the interview "for his own political reasons," and the following statements were included: "The Ministry confirms that President Shara preferred a Kurdish channel to present his views and address the latest developments, despite the presence of many local and international channels. This preference emphasizes the importance of the status, role, and rights of the Kurds."
It was stated that the decision of the television not to publish the Shara interview did not have a sufficient justification in the context of professional journalism, and it was reported that the Ministry of Information reserved the right to publish the interview through official platforms within the legal framework.
WHAT HAPPENED IN ALEPPO?
Within the framework of the agreement signed between Damascus and the SDG on March 10, 2025, it was agreed that the region and forces under SDG control would be integrated into the central administration by the end of 2025. However, despite the expiration of the deadline, the SDG did not comply with the agreement. Most recently, SDG elements were cornered in the Sheikh Maqsud neighborhood of Aleppo. In the densely populated neighborhood, the organization attempted to use civilians as human shields and resist the Syrian army. In the neighborhood where intense clashes occurred, SDG elements later had to accept evacuation by leaving the area. The Syrian army, during the operation, created safe corridors and specific time frames for civilians to temporarily exit the neighborhood.