A video of Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa riding a black horse has gone viral, with many admiring his horseback riding skills and casual appearance. As Syria navigates its transitional phase after the fall of Bashar Al-Assad, Al-Sharaa’s actions continue to generate discussion on social media, with some critics questioning the timing of the images given the ongoing hardships faced by many Syrians.

The fall of Assad’s regime came faster than anticipated, marked by the opening of Sednaya Prison on December 8, 2024, leading to the release of thousands of detainees. Ahmed Al-Sharaa, formerly a leader in the armed opposition, assumed the presidency in Syria’s transitional government. Born in 1982, he founded “Jabhat Al-Nusra” before severing ties with Al-Qaeda and rebranding the group as “Jabhat Fath Al-Sham” and later “Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham.”

As Syria moves into a new chapter, Al-Sharaa’s leadership is under close scrutiny, with debates over his governance style and the long-term stability of the country. While some may be impressed by his horseback riding skills, others see it as a symbolic act disconnected from the daily struggles faced by many Syrians, raising concerns about the priorities of the transitional government.