Ahmed al-Sharaa has been designated president for Syria’s transitional period after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. Rebel military leaders have canceled the 2012 constitution and dissolved previous governing structures. An interim government will be formed as Sharaa aims to integrate former rebel factions into state institutions, amid ongoing discussions with Russia regarding wartime reparations and support for Syrian recovery.
Ahmed al-Sharaa has been appointed as Syria’s transitional president following the recent overthrow of Bashar al-Assad. His leadership comes seven weeks after a successful rebel offensive, marking a significant shift in Syria’s governance. Reports indicate that rebel military commander Hassan Abdul Ghani has announced the annulment of Syria’s 2012 constitution, along with the disbanding of the former regime’s parliament, army, and security forces.
In his new role, Sharaa intends to establish an interim legislative council to oversee governance until a new constitution is adopted. All rebel factions opposing Assad during the 13-year civil war will be disbanded and incorporated into state-backed institutions, as stated by Ghani. These developments were revealed during a recent meeting in Damascus that included commanders from various factions allied with Sharaa’s Islamist group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
The HTS, previously affiliated with al-Qaeda and still classified as a terrorist group by multiple international organizations, had been dominant in northwestern Syria. Since the uprising began in 2011, which was brutally suppressed by Assad, the country has been engulfed in civil war, resulting in over 500,000 deaths and millions of displaced individuals. Following a swift military campaign, Assad resigned and fled to Russia on December 8.
An interim government led by Mohammed al-Bashir, formerly in charge of the rebel administration in northwestern Syria, has been given the responsibility of governing until March. On a diplomatic front, the Syrian government has requested wartime reparations from Russia, which had been a close ally of Assad throughout the conflict, during the visit of a senior Kremlin delegation.
During discussions, Sharaa and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov emphasized the importance of rebuilding trust with the Syrian population through tangible actions such as reconstruction and compensation. Russia has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Syrian sovereignty and aiding its recovery post-conflict, despite its military’s controversial actions during the war that led to significant civilian casualties.
Following the Russian delegation’s trip, official communications highlighted the necessity for continuous dialogue between Russia and Syria. Sharaa expressed strong intent for sustained Russian engagement within Syria, noting the deep-seated strategic ties, especially in defense and infrastructure. The ongoing geopolitical dynamics suggest a complex interplay of interests as Russia navigates its military presence while Syria undergoes significant political changes.
The appointment of Ahmed al-Sharaa as Syria’s transitional president marks a pivotal transition in the country’s governance following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. Key actions include cancelling the 2012 constitution, with a focus on integration of rebel factions into state structures. The relationship with Russia remains critical as Syria seeks reconstruction and support amidst its recovery efforts. This transitional phase will determine Syria’s path forward as conflicts and geopolitical interests continue to evolve.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
