In a historic development, Ahmad al-Shar’a, leader of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, has been appointed as the interim president of Syria following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad. This decision was announced in a special meeting of military commanders who led the operation to topple Assad.
According to this declaration, the previous Syrian constitution has been suspended, and Ahmad al-Shar’a has been tasked with forming a temporary legislative council. In his first speech, he emphasized that the primary priority is to fill the power vacuum through a “legitimate and legal process.”
Transitional Plan: Justice, Reconstruction, and Development
Al-Shar’a stated that civil peace must be established through transitional justice, preventing acts of revenge, and restoring government institutions, especially security and military forces. He also pledged to focus on economic infrastructure development.
According to him, the political transition process will include the formation of a national conference, the establishment of an inclusive government, and the eventual holding of final elections—a process that may take up to four years.
Consolidation of Power and the End of the Ba’ath Era
The military leadership’s declaration affirms that Ahmad al-Shar’a, as president, will represent Syria in international forums. Additionally, the newly formed legislative council will function until a new constitution is ratified. In this regard, the parliament elected during Assad’s rule has been dissolved.
Previous steps taken to dismantle the Ba’ath Party and Assad’s security apparatus were also emphasized in this declaration. Furthermore, rebel groups that have fought against Assad’s government for the past 13 years are expected to be disbanded and integrated into the new government structure.
Foreign Support and International Reactions
Qatar, a key supporter of the new government, issued a statement backing efforts to “rebuild the Syrian state and create national consensus.” These developments were announced at the “Declaration of Victory in the Syrian Revolution” conference, attended by ministers of the interim government appointed by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham. Now, the question remains—where will these changes lead Syria?
