Ahmed al-Sharaa has been appointed president of Syria during its transitional phase, following the rebellion that led to the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. Key announcements include the annulment of the 2012 constitution and the formation of an interim legislative council. There are ongoing discussions for reparations and rebuilding efforts with Russia, as the country navigates the aftermath of a long civil war.
Ahmed al-Sharaa has been appointed as Syria’s president for the transitional period, as reported by state media. This development follows his significant role in leading the rebel forces that dethroned Bashar al-Assad about seven weeks prior. During this transitional phase, Sharaa will oversee the establishment of an interim legislative council to govern until a new constitution is enacted.
Rebel military commander Hassan Abdul Ghani has announced the cancellation of Syria’s 2012 constitution and the disbandment of the previous parliament and security institutions. He indicated that all rebel factions that opposed Assad during the 13-year civil war will be integrated into the new state framework. The announcements were made during a pivotal meeting in Damascus attended by leaders of various rebel factions aligned with Sharaa’s Islamist group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
HTS, once affiliated with al-Qaeda and currently recognized as a terrorist organization by several international bodies, previously held a significant presence in northwestern Syria’s last rebel stronghold. Following the violent suppression of a peaceful pro-democracy uprising in 2011, the country descended into civil war, resulting in over half a million casualties and 12 million displaced individuals. The rebel forces captured Damascus on December 8, leading to Assad’s resignation and flight to Russia.
An interim government led by Mohammed al-Bashir, formerly in charge of the rebel administration in northwest Syria, has been assigned to govern the country until March. On a diplomatic note, the Syrian government has appealed to Russia to rectify historical mistakes by agreeing to war reparations during a recent visit by a senior Kremlin delegation following Assad’s ousting.
Discussions between Sharaa and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov centered on restoring trust with the Syrian population through concrete measures such as compensation and reconstruction efforts. The Russian foreign ministry affirmed unwavering support for Syria’s integrity and readiness to assist in post-war recovery efforts. Since intervening in the conflict in 2015, Russian military actions have resulted in substantial civilian casualties, with reports indicating over 21,000 deaths due to airstrikes.
In light of the evolving situation, recent satellite imagery suggests that Russia may be beginning the withdrawal of troops and equipment from its bases in Syria, though it aims to maintain its strategic foothold in the region. Following the visit by the Russian delegation, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized the importance of maintaining dialogue with Syria. Sharaa highlighted the profound strategic relationships between Russia and Syria, underscoring the reliance on Russian military equipment and expertise in the region.
In summary, Ahmed al-Sharaa’s appointment as Syria’s transitional president marks a significant shift in the country’s leadership following the fall of Bashar al-Assad. The establishment of an interim government and the integration of rival rebel factions underscore a critical transition as Syria seeks to rebuild. Diplomatic efforts with Russia for reconstruction and reparations further emphasize the ongoing complexities of the post-Assad era, amid significant humanitarian challenges brought on by years of civil conflict.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
