However, the international community remains sceptical about its independence.

As pressure mounts on Ahmed al-Sharaa’s government following massacres over the weekend, Syrian authorities announce the formation of a national investigation committee. However, the international community remains sceptical about its independence.

In response to the reportedly violent repression of an uprising on the Syrian coast and in anticipation of the possible increase of Western sanctions against his country, interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa confirmed in a recent interview that sanctions already imposed on Syria are hindering his government's ability to restore stability and security.

The interim Syrian leader added that the escalation of violence in his country is linked to attacks behind the loyalists of the Bashar al-Assad regime and a foreign state, without providing supporting evidence. Syrian authorities have announced a committee to investigate and hold accountable those involved in the violence against Alawites and minorities in the coast. On the formation of this body, al-Sharaa stressed that those involved will be brought to justice "even if they are close to us," before highlighting his government's commitment to achieving justice and not allowing the current situation to turn into ‘an opportunity for revenge’ for past grievances. However, the Syrian president also refused to disclose the identity of those involved in the recent killings, saying only that the security authorities are working to uncover the truth and bring those responsible to justice. His recent comments are a far cry from his rhetoric of pursuing "remnants of the al-Assad regime" when violence broke out last Thursday.

This seismic shift begs the question of whether this a genuine commitment to the pursuit of justice, or just a ploy to stop further sanctions?