Less than two months after the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, Syrian rebel leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammad al-Golani, has stepped up as the country’s interim president. This pivotal development follows intense military operations leading to Assad’s ousting, marking the end of more than fifty years under the Assad family's rule. Al-Sharaa’s declaration was made during the week of January 26, at what has been referred to as the "Conference for Announcing the Victory of the Syrian Revolution," attended by key military commanders involved in the operations earlier.
Sharaa’s first address to the nation articulated his commitment to addressing injustices perpetrated during the regime's rule. “We will pursue the criminals who shed Syrian blood and committed massacres and crimes,” he said, making clear his intention to hold accountable those involved in violence against citizens. His promise to form an inclusive transitional government aims to unify the nation, as he faces the monumental task of rebuilding after years of devastation.
Upon taking office, Sharaa announced the suspension of the previous constitution, alongside the dissolution of the parliament, military, and various security agencies associated with Assad’s regime. His administration, characterized as transitional, is expected to pave the way for significant reforms and the establishment of democratic governance. “We will work on forming an inclusive transitional government,” Sharaa pledged, highlighting the need for diverse representation once elections are held, which he estimates could take up to four years. This process includes establishing a temporary legislative council to oversee governmental operations until new elections can be properly conducted.
Sharaa’s rise to power as the head of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) complicates perceptions of his leadership. Known as a former al-Qaeda affiliate, HTS has been labeled as a terrorist organization by several entities including the United States and the European Union. Sharaa’s historical ties to extremist groups raise concerns, yet many within Syria reportedly view his leadership as part of a necessary evolution. “Sharaa has promised to preserve civil peace and unity,” remarked Hassan Abdul Ghani, head of military operations supporting Sharaa.
To instill confidence, Sharaa has also called for a national dialogue conference, intended to engage all segments of society, aiming to heal the divisions exacerbated by over a decade of civil war.
The international community is closely monitoring Syria’s shifting dynamics. Recently, Qatar's Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani made headlines by visiting Damascus, marking the first time since Assad's fall for any head of state to engage with the new interim regime. Sheikh Tamim's discussions with Sharaa at the Presidential Palace signal Qatar's renewed interest and potential role as Syria navigates its postwar reconstruction.
Meanwhile, Russia is taking steps to maintain its influence and presence within Syria. Discussions between Sharaa and Russian diplomats included requests for the extradition of Assad and reparations for war damages. Sharaa articulated the necessity for Moscow to recognize and address “past mistakes,” indicating the relationship between Syria and Russia remains critically tied to the future of the transitional government.
Despite the substantial changes, some observers are cautious. Questions linger over Sharaa's ability to establish stable governance and protect against potential backlash from remnants of the Assad regime or factions opposing HTS’s dominance. The path to establishing credible democratic frameworks will be arduous, as the country has not seen true democratic processes for generations.
Sharaa’s leadership is also facing anticipated scrutiny over the timelines he set forth for new elections and constitutional reforms. Many experts note structural challenges, including ensuring electoral integrity and meeting the demands of various factions within Syria's complex political sphere. His previous assertions suggest the need for updated census data before any elections can be conducted, which could significantly delay the political transition.
Moving forward, two primary questions remain: Will al-Sharaa manage to unify the multiple factions within Syria, and what role will the international community, particularly nations like Russia and Qatar, play in shaping Syria's transition? With Assad gone, there’s both excitement and anxiety about what’s to come for Syria as it attempts to construct its new identity and governance model.
For now, as new leaders step forward and old legacies fade, the world watches intently, waiting to see how the narrative of post-Assad Syria will evolve under Ahmed al-Sharaa’s interim leadership.