Ahmad al-Sharaa, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, announced that elections in Syria could take up to four years to hold, citing the need for a new constitution and a population census. His group plans to dissolve following a dialogue summit. Meanwhile, an Israeli airstrike reportedly killed 11 people near Damascus, and al-Sharaa aims to maintain relations with Russia while negotiating with Kurdish forces.
Ahmad al-Sharaa, Syria’s de facto leader and head of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has stated that it may take up to four years to conduct elections in the war-torn country. In an interview with Al-Arabiya, he noted that drafting a new constitution could require almost three years and emphasized the necessity of a comprehensive population census before any elections could be deemed valid. Furthermore, he indicated that the insurgency’s recent victories have highlighted the importance of dialogue among Syria’s factions after decades of oppressive rule under the al-Assad family.
Al-Sharaa plans to facilitate a national dialogue summit, aimed at establishing a transitional government that fosters unity among the divided factions of Syria. He indicated that his group would dissolve following this process, transitioning to a new political framework to replace the long-standing rebel leadership that dominated previous insurgencies. He also acknowledged the critical condition of Syria’s infrastructure, which requires significant reconstruction.
On another note, events on the ground continue to evolve, with an Israeli airstrike reported to have killed 11 individuals near Damascus, targeting military infrastructure associated with al-Assad’s forces. The Israeli military remains clandestine regarding these military actions, focusing on countering Iranian influence in Syria.
Additionally, al-Sharaa expressed intentions to maintain diplomatic relations with Russia and is engaged in negotiations with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. His remarks underline a complex and ongoing struggle to consolidate power and stability in a nation that has endured years of conflict and upheaval.
The context surrounding Ahmad al-Sharaa’s statements stems from the aftermath of a civil war that began in 2011 when President Bashar al-Assad’s regime faced widespread opposition. HTS emerged as a leading insurgent group during the conflict, eventually occupying strategic regions in northwestern Syria. Following a recent wave of successful assaults against al-Assad’s regime, al-Sharaa’s government grapples with the pressing need for political restructuring and dialogue among previously warring factions to foster a lasting peace. The statement reflects broader geopolitical dynamics, including Israel’s military operations targeting Iranian assets and the delicate balance of relationships with Russia and the Kurdish forces in the region.
In summary, Ahmad al-Sharaa’s comments underscore the challenges and intricacies involved in moving towards a stable governance framework in Syria. The projected four-year timeline for elections, contingent on drafting a new constitution and conducting a population census, reflects a comprehensive approach to creating legitimacy after years of dictatorial governance. As various factions engage in dialogue, the situation remains fluid, shaped significantly by international influences and ongoing military conflicts.
Original Source: www.euronews.com
