Syria’s interim president, Ahmad Al-Sharaa, signed a temporary constitution establishing Islamist rule for five years after the fall of Bashar Assad. This constitution retains some elements of the previous framework while introducing freedoms of expression and press. Challenges persist regarding representation and inclusion of minority groups, with international allies cautious about lifting sanctions without guarantees of an inclusive political system.
On March 13, 2025, Syria’s interim president, Ahmad Al-Sharaa, signed a temporary constitution that establishes Islamist rule in the nation for a five-year transitional period. This signing occurred amidst ongoing challenges faced by the interim administration, following a swift insurgency by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) that led to the downfall of long-time leader Bashar Assad in December of the previous year.
Al-Sharaa, previously a leader within HTS, was appointed interim president after a meeting among various armed groups involved in the offensive against Assad. During this gathering, it was collectively decided to repeal the existing constitution and to outline a framework for a new one. While some citizens welcomed the end of more than 50 years of Assad’s dictatorship, skepticism remains prevalent among religious and ethnic minorities regarding the new Islamist leadership.
Abdulhamid Al-Awak, a constitutional law expert, indicated that the temporary constitution will preserve certain elements from the previous constitution, specifically the requirement that the head of state be a Muslim and that Islamic law serves as the primary source of jurisprudence. Additionally, he noted that the new constitution would include measures supporting freedom of expression and press, aiming to create a balance between social security and individual freedoms.
There are plans to establish a committee responsible for drafting a permanent constitution; however, there is uncertainty around its potential inclusivity concerning Syria’s diverse political, religious, and ethnic demographics. Furthermore, Al-Sharaa recently reached a significant agreement with Kurdish-led authorities in northeastern Syria, including provisions for a ceasefire and the integration of their armed forces with the central government.
The interim constitution aims to set a timetable for a political transition away from its current status. Al-Sharaa had previously suggested that revising Syria’s constitution could extend up to three years, with elections potentially held within five years. After a national dialogue conference last month, the appointment of a constitution-drafting committee was made, though critics highlighted the conference’s lack of representation from various ethnic, sectarian, and civil society groups.
The international response has been cautious; the United States and European nations have shown reluctance to lift sanctions imposed during Assad’s regime, waiting to observe whether the new leadership will foster an inclusive political environment that safeguards minority rights. Al-Sharaa and several regional authorities have been advocating for a reconsideration of these sanctions, expressing concerns that a deteriorating economy could lead to heightened instability.
In summary, the signing of the temporary constitution by Syria’s interim president marks a significant shift towards Islamist governance in the country. While aimed at establishing a framework for transition and inclusivity, the skepticism from minorities and the challenges of forming a representative political structure underscore the complexities of Syria’s evolving political landscape. International stakeholders remain cautious in lifting sanctions, prioritizing assurances concerning minority protection and broad-based political representation before supporting the new regime.
Original Source: apnews.com
