**DAMASCUS, Syria** – In a significant development for war-torn Syria, the factions responsible for ousting President Bashar Assad appointed a former Islamist rebel chief as the provisional president on Wednesday. This move is part of an effort to present a united front to tackle the extensive challenges of reconstructing the country after nearly 14 years of civil conflict.
The coalition of former insurgents decided to repeal the current constitution that was established under Assad, with intentions to draft a new charter in the near future. Ahmad al-Sharaa, previously affiliated with al-Qaida and known for leading the offensive against Assad, has now assumed the role of president in this transitional phase. His selection came during a gathering of the insurgents in Damascus, the nation’s capital. Details regarding the selection process of al-Sharaa’s presidency remain unclear.
Al-Sharaa, who previously went by the name Abu Mohammed al-Golani, is the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the group that spearheaded the rapid campaign resulting in Assad’s overthrow in December. Although HTS was once linked to al-Qaida, it has since distanced itself from the group. In recent years, al-Sharaa has endeavored to present himself as a proponent of diversity and has promised to safeguard the rights of women and religious minorities.
Notably, the U.S. had previously placed a $10 million bounty on al-Sharaa, which was lifted last month after a diplomatic delegation from the U.S. engaged with him in Damascus. Barbara Leaf, a top U.S. diplomat for the Middle East, described al-Sharaa as appearing “pragmatic” following their discussions.
During the recent meeting, clad in military attire, al-Sharaa highlighted the “immense responsibility” that lies before Syria’s new leadership. He cautioned that “arrogance following victory” could lead to tyranny, underscoring the need for humility and recognition of divine grace. Al-Sharaa outlined rebuilding as a priority, emphasizing the need to “legitimately and legally fill the power vacuum” and ensure civil peace by promoting transitional justice that avoids vengeful violence in the aftermath of Assad’s rule.
Celebrations erupted in Damascus and other cities as citizens took to the streets to express their support for al-Sharaa. Joyous crowds honked car horns and engaged in celebratory gunfire. Abdallah al-Sweid, celebrating in Umayyad Square, praised al-Sharaa for his intelligence and leadership, declaring him deserving of the presidential position.
However, not all reactions were positive. Critics, including those who initially supported Assad’s removal, expressed concerns about the manner of the appointment and the uncertain future. Mohammad Salim Alkhateb from the National Coalition of Syrian Revolution and Opposition Forces commented on the problems related to timing and a lack of clarity in the process.
Qatar, the first nation to respond to al-Sharaa’s appointment, expressed support for measures aimed at fostering consensus and unity among all Syrian factions, hoping this would initiate a peaceful transition of power through broad political engagement. Nonetheless, Western nations remain cautious regarding the new Islamist leadership, despite having started to restore relations with Damascus following Assad’s downfall.
Al-Sharaa’s administration is tasked with establishing a temporary legislative council to draft a new constitution, following the annulment of the 2012 constitution. Abdul Ghani, the spokesperson for the new government, noted that all armed factions would be disbanded and integrated into state institutions.
Since Assad was overthrown, HTS has emerged as the dominant ruling entity, forming an interim government primarily comprised of officials from the local governance previously established in Idlib province. Leaders of the interim government have committed to collaborating with diverse communities to construct a new administration and constitution, although no specific timelines have been announced.
Moreover, al-Sharaa has called for the creation of a unified national army and security forces, as the remnants of the old Syrian army dissolved with Assad’s regime. However, challenges persist in uniting the myriad of former rebel factions, each with distinct leaders and ideologies. Additionally, the ongoing tensions between U.S.-backed Kurdish factions, which declared an autonomous region, and Turkish-back rebels pose further complications for the interim administration’s stability.
The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces were not represented at the recent summit of armed factions, and no comments have been issued from them regarding the developments. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Syria’s new foreign minister, Asaad al-Shibani, emphasized the crucial need for international assistance as the nation embarks on its path to recovery after the devastating civil war.
