Ahmed al-Sharaa has been named Syria’s transitional president after the fall of Bashar al-Assad. He plans to abolish the 2012 constitution and create an interim legislative council. The announcement coincides with efforts to integrate rebel groups into state institutions and calls for Russian reparations for the conflict’s devastation.
Syria’s Ahmed al-Sharaa has been appointed as the transitional president following a successful rebel offensive against the Assad regime, which led to its collapse. Reports indicate that al-Sharaa intends to abolish the 2012 constitution and dismantle the previous parliament, army, and security agencies. His leadership will establish an interim legislative council to govern until a new constitution is enacted, incorporating all rebel factions into state structures.
This announcement was made during a Damascus meeting of coalition commanders associated with al-Sharaa’s Islamist group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, previously linked to al-Qaeda and still recognized as a terrorist organization by several international entities. The Syrian Civil War, initiated after President Bashar al-Assad’s violent suppression of pro-democracy protests in 2011, has reportedly resulted in over half a million deaths and displacement of 12 million citizens.
On December 8, as rebel forces entered the capital, Assad resigned and fled to Russia. Mohammed al-Bashir, previously leading the rebel administration in the northwest, has taken charge of an interim government until March. Meanwhile, the Syrian government has appealed to Russia for reparations and acknowledgment of past errors during the ongoing reconstruction efforts following Assad’s fall.
In discussions with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, al-Sharaa emphasized the need to regain the trust of the Syrian populace through tangible measures like compensation and rebuilding efforts. The Russian delegation reaffirmed its commitment to Syria’s territorial integrity and its willingness to assist in recovery from the conflict.
Since intervening on Assad’s behalf in 2015, the Russian military conducted airstrikes leading to significant civilian casualties, with reports indicating the deaths of more than 21,000 individuals, including 8,700 civilians. While Russia appears to be withdrawing from its Mediterranean coast bases near Latakia and Tartous, recent analyses suggest it seeks to maintain a strategic presence in the region.
Following the meetings in Damascus, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov indicated the importance of ongoing dialogue with the Syrian government. Al-Sharaa has expressed a desire for a sustaining relationship with Russia, highlighting mutual strategic interests. He reiterated that the arms in Syria and critical infrastructure are primarily of Russian origin.
The appointment of Ahmed al-Sharaa as transitional president marks a significant shift in Syria’s political landscape following the collapse of the Assad regime. The dissolution of the 2012 constitution and former state institutions reflects a commitment to establishing a new governance structure. Ongoing collaboration with Russia remains crucial for Syria’s recovery and stability post-conflict, though the path ahead will be challenging given the extensive devastation experienced during the war.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
