HTS Leader Al-Sharaa Takes Charge as Syria’s New Interim President

In a significant political shift in Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa has been appointed as the interim president following the recent ousting of Bashar al-Assad. This development marks a new chapter in the country’s tumultuous history, as the transitional government aims to establish a more stable political framework.

According to state media reports, Sharaa’s appointment was announced on Wednesday, with the state news agency SANA highlighting that he will also be responsible for forming a transitional legislature. This comes after a rebel coalition led by Sharaa’s Islamist group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), successfully removed Assad from power on December 8, ending over five decades of Assad family rule. The transitional government is expected to lead Syria until a new political structure is firmly in place by March 1.

During a conference heralding “the victory of the Syrian revolution,” military official Hassan Abdel Ghani stated, “Sharaa has been appointed as the country’s president in the transitional phase.” He further mentioned that Sharaa would represent Syria in international forums, underscoring the importance of global engagement during this transitional period.

SANA reported that Sharaa’s responsibilities will include:

• Forming a temporary legislative council.
• Establishing a permanent constitution for Syria.
• Overseeing the dissolution of the previous Assad-era parliament and the suspension of the 2012 constitution.

Abdel Ghani also announced the dismantling of all armed groups involved in Assad’s ouster, as well as the former government’s army and security agencies. “All military factions and political and civil revolutionary bodies are dissolved and integrated into state institutions,” he stated, according to SANA.

This announcement reflects a commitment to rebuilding the state’s governance structures, which had been severely undermined during the Assad regime. The new authorities are focusing on what they termed “civil peace,” emphasizing the need for stability in a country that has experienced years of conflict.

Further details from Abdel Ghani’s address included:

• The dissolution of the former regime’s military and security apparatus.
• The formation of a new security agency aimed at preserving citizens’ security.
• The reconstruction of the Syrian army.

The collapse of the Syrian army and the Baath Party, which had dominated the country for decades, signifies a critical juncture in Syria’s political landscape. In his speech, Sharaa outlined the new government’s priorities, stating that they include:

• Filling the power vacuum left by the previous regime.
• Preserving civil peace in the aftermath of conflict.
• Rebuilding state institutions to restore governance.
• Constructing a development-oriented economy to support the populace.

“The mission of the victorious is heavy, and their responsibility is immense,” Sharaa emphasized, indicating the challenges ahead for the new administration. He also acknowledged that it may take up to four years before elections could be held and up to three years to rewrite the country’s constitution.

While authorities have previously mentioned plans for a national dialogue conference to bring together various political factions in Syria, SANA did not provide any details on such a gathering in its recent updates. This raises questions about the inclusivity of the transitional process and the potential for diverse voices to be heard in shaping the new Syria.

HTS, which has roots in Syria’s Al-Qaeda branch, is designated as a terrorist organization by numerous countries, including the United States. However, the group has recently attempted to moderate its stance, pledging to protect Syria’s religious and ethnic minorities during this transitional phase.

In the wake of Assad’s removal, numerous Western diplomats have visited Syria, advocating for an inclusive transition that addresses the needs of all Syrians and fosters a path toward stability and peace.

As Syria embarks on this new journey under interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa, the international community watches closely, hopeful for a resolution that will bring lasting peace and prosperity to the war-torn nation.