Syria’s political landscape has undergone a seismic shift with the appointment of Ahmed al-Sharaa as the country’s interim president. State media confirmed his selection on Wednesday, marking a new chapter in Syria’s history following the dramatic ousting of Bashar al-Assad. Sharaa’s appointment comes just seven weeks after he led the rebel offensive that toppled the long-standing regime.
A Transitional Government in the Making
Rebel military commander Hassan Abdul Ghani announced the cancellation of Syria’s 2012 constitution. The dissolution of Assad’s former regime institutions—including the parliament, army, and security agencies—signals the beginning of a new political order. Sharaa, now tasked with forming an interim legislative body, is expected to oversee the country until a new constitution is drafted and elections are held, a process he estimates could take up to four years.
From Jihadist Leader to Political Statesman
Once known as Abu Mohammed al-Julani, Sharaa has embarked on a drastic rebranding effort. Since breaking ties with al-Qaeda in 2016, he has sought to distance himself from his jihadist past, exchanging military fatigues and religious rhetoric for a more diplomatic approach. Sharaa has dissolved armed factions, including his own group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which evolved from al-Qaeda’s Syrian branch.
At a high-profile event in Damascus dubbed the “Conference for Announcing the Victory of the Syrian Revolution,” Sharaa addressed rebel commanders, emphasizing the enormity of the task ahead. He outlined his administration’s immediate priorities: filling the power vacuum through legal and legitimate means, maintaining civil peace through transitional justice, and preventing revenge attacks. Furthermore, he stressed the need to rebuild state institutions, particularly the military, security agencies, and economic infrastructure.
Rebuilding Syria: A Daunting Task
Syria’s interim government, led by Mohammed al-Bashir, will oversee national affairs until March, but major challenges loom. Among the most pressing issues is Syria’s relationship with Russia. On Tuesday, Syria’s new government called on Moscow to address “past mistakes” by paying war reparations. During a visit from Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, discussions revolved around trust-building efforts, reconstruction, and economic recovery. Despite Russia’s prior support for Assad, its stance on the new government remains cautious, though the Kremlin has expressed “unwavering support” for Syria’s unity.
Moscow’s military involvement in Syria since 2015 left deep scars. Russian airstrikes and military operations claimed over 21,000 lives, including 8,700 civilians, according to monitoring groups. Now, with Assad’s departure, Russia has begun withdrawing troops and weapons from its key military bases in Hmeimim and Tartous.
A Complicated Legacy
Sharaa’s rise to power is marked by a controversial past. Born in 1982 in Damascus’ Mazzeh district to a wealthy family, he was reportedly radicalized after the September 11 attacks. His early years saw him fight under notorious jihadist leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi in Iraq before being detained by U.S. forces. In 2011, he founded the Al-Nusra Front, later rebranded as HTS. For years, he was considered a terrorist by the U.S., with a $10 million bounty on his head.
Manbilas Singh is a talented writer and journalist who focuses on the finer details in every story and values integrity above everything. A self-proclaimed sleuth, he strives to expose the fine print behind seemingly mundane activities and aims to uncover the truth that is hidden from the general public. In his time away from work, he is a music aficionado and a nerd who revels in video & board games, books and Formula 1.
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