Syria’s interim president has signed a temporary constitution establishing Islamist rule by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham for five years, following a transitional period marked by uncertainty. Despite the end of Assad’s regime, skepticism remains among minorities about the new leadership and its implications. The new constitution maintains Islamic law while attempting to safeguard freedoms, with plans for a more inclusive permanent constitution in the future.
On March 13, 2025, Syria’s interim president, Ahmad Al-Sharaa, signed a temporary constitution, establishing an Islamist rule via the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) for the next five years. HTS led a rapid insurgency that ousted the previous president, Bashar Assad, in December, leading to a transitional phase marked by uncertainty and resistance from various regional groups.
Al-Sharaa, previously a leader in HTS, officially became the interim president following a meeting of armed factions involved in the offensive against Assad. The leaders decided to discard the old constitution, committing to drafting a new framework to govern the country. Although the change has ended decades of Assad’s dictatorship, many religious and ethnic minorities express skepticism about the new Islamist authority and its control over their regions.
Abdulhamid Al-Awak, part of the committee tasked with creating the new constitution, highlighted its retention of certain elements of the previous constitution, such as the requirement that the head of state be Muslim and that Islamic law would serve as the principal legal source. He emphasized that despite these aspects, provisions for freedom of expression and press were included to navigate Syria’s precarious political landscape.
A new committee to formulate a permanent constitution is anticipated, although its inclusivity concerning Syria’s diverse political, religious, and ethnic groups remains uncertain. Al-Sharaa also concluded a significant agreement with U.S.-backed Kurdish authorities to establish a ceasefire and unify their military forces with the central government’s security agencies.
The recent signing of a temporary constitution in Syria marks a significant political transition to an Islamist rule, raising both hope and skepticism among various factions. While the interim government aims to draft a more inclusive permanent constitution, concerns linger regarding the protection of minority rights and the country’s overall stability. The road ahead appears challenging amidst local, regional, and international pressures, particularly concerning economic conditions and governance inclusivity.
Original Source: apnews.com
