Syria’s interim president signed a temporary constitution placing the nation under HTS rule for five years. Ethnic and religious minorities show concern over the new Islamist leadership’s authority. The constitution aims to balance Islamic governance with certain freedoms, but critics worry about its inclusivity. Meanwhile, regional military tensions persist, highlighted by an Israeli airstrike in Damascus.
Syria’s interim president has signed a temporary constitution, placing the country under the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) for five years. This decision follows a swift insurgency that ousted former President Bashar Assad in December. Ahmad al-Sharaa, the new interim president, was appointed after discussions among armed factions involved in the offensive, leading to the repeal of the old constitution and the drafting of a new one.
While some welcomed the end of Assad’s rule, religious and ethnic minorities express doubt towards the Islamist leadership. Skepticism is particularly evident among these groups, who fear that the new authorities may not honor their rights. Abdulhamid Al-Awak, tasked with drafting the temporary constitution, indicated that it would preserve elements of the original constitution, including the stipulation that the head of state must be Muslim and that Islamic law will govern jurisprudence.
In addition to Islamic principles, the temporary constitution promises to uphold freedom of expression and media rights, aiming to balance social security with civil liberties. A new committee is anticipated to work on a definitive constitution, but its potential inclusivity remains undetermined. Meanwhile, al-Sharaa has secured a critical agreement with Kurdish-led authorities to unify their forces, as the country faces intensified military actions following an insurgency against Assad’s loyalists.
The temporary constitution also outlines a timeline for Syria’s political transition, estimating a three-year period for constitutional revisions and a commitment to conduct elections within five years. However, critics argue that the formation of the interim government lacked representation from Syria’s diverse social groups, a concern echoed by Western nations hesitant to lift sanctions against Syria.
In a separate incident, an Israeli airstrike in Damascus targeted a building claimed to be linked to Palestinian Islamic Jihad, wounding three individuals. The Israeli military emphasizes that it will respond to any perceived terrorist threats by targeting militant positions in Syria. The latest developments in Syria underscore the complex and precarious situation following Assad’s regime, with ongoing violence and looming political uncertainty.
The signing of the temporary constitution marks a significant shift in Syria’s governance, placing power in the hands of an Islamist group following years of authoritarian rule. Despite some advancements in civil liberties, doubts persist regarding the inclusivity and future stability of the new regime. The recent diplomatic and military developments further complicate Syria’s political landscape, raising concerns about the country’s path forward amidst ongoing violence and international scrutiny.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
