Syria’s New Authorities Appoint Ahmed al-Sharaa as Interim President
Appointment Comes Amid Ongoing Conflict and Rebuilding Efforts
DAMASCUS: Syria’s new authorities have announced that Ahmed al-Sharaa, who took the helm after Bashar al-Assad’s ouster last month, has been appointed interim president and tasked with forming transitional legislature.
Background
A rebel alliance led by Sharaa’s Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) ousted Assad on December 8 after a lightning offensive, ending five decades of his family’s iron-fisted rule. The transition government had previously been installed to steer the country until March 1.
Responsibilities
Sharaa was appointed "as the country’s president in the transitional phase", state news agency Sana reported, quoting military official Hassan Abdel Ghani. He will also represent the country at international forums. Sharaa is tasked with forming a temporary legislative council until a permanent constitution for the country is decided. The Assad-era parliament has been dissolved, and the 2012 constitution suspended.
Rebuilding Efforts
The announcements came during a conference on "the victory of the Syrian revolution" that was also attended by Sharaa, foreign minister Asaad al-Shaibani, and the heads of armed factions. Abdel Ghani announced the dissolution of all armed groups involved in Assad’s ouster, as well as the former government’s army and security agencies. He also announced the formation of a new security apparatus that preserves citizens’ security and the reconstruction of the Syrian army.
Priorities
In a speech at the event, Sharaa set out Syria’s priorities as "filling the power vacuum, preserving civil peace, rebuilding state institutions, and working to construct a development-oriented economy". He emphasized the importance of the mission, stating, "The mission of the victorious is heavy, and their responsibility is immense."
Timeline
Sharaa has indicated that it could take four years before elections can be held, and up to three years to rewrite the country’s constitution. Authorities had previously spoken of a national dialogue conference that would bring together Syrians of all political stripes, but Sana made no mention of any such conference on Wednesday.
Context
Civil war broke out in Syria after Assad suppressed peaceful anti-government protests in 2011. The conflict has killed more than 500,000 people and displaced millions more. HTS, rooted in Syria’s Al-Qaeda branch, is proscribed as a terrorist organization by many governments, including the US. However, it has recently sought to moderate its rhetoric and vowed to protect Syria’s religious and ethnic minorities. Since Assad’s ouster, a succession of Western diplomats have visited Syria to call for an inclusive transition.
FAQs
- Who is Ahmed al-Sharaa?
Ahmed al-Sharaa is the new interim president of Syria, appointed after Bashar al-Assad’s ouster. - What are Sharaa’s responsibilities?
Sharaa will form a temporary legislative council and represent the country at international forums. - What is the current state of the Syrian army?
The Syrian army has effectively collapsed, along with the other instruments of Assad’s rule. - What is the status of the Baath party?
The Baath party, which ruled Syria for decades, has been dissolved. - What is the current situation with HTS?
HTS is a rebel alliance that ousted Assad and has vowed to protect Syria’s religious and ethnic minorities. It is proscribed as a terrorist organization by many governments, including the US.