Syria’s interim leader signed a temporary constitution establishing Islamist rule for five years. The document, intended to facilitate a political transition, incorporates Islamic law, retains certain freedoms, and outlines a separate powers structure. There are concerns regarding the inclusiveness of this new government, particularly among minority groups, as the international community awaits assurances of reform before reconsidering sanctions.
On Thursday, Syria’s interim leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, formally signed a temporary constitution that will place the country under Islamist governance for a designated five-year transitional phase. This move follows the recent overthrow of longtime dictator Bashar al-Assad. Sharaa expressed optimism about this constitutional declaration, stating it could signify the beginning of a new era in Syria centered on justice and mercy, replacing previous oppression.
Despite the removal of Assad after more than five decades, there is widespread skepticism among religious and ethnic minorities regarding the new Islamist leadership, particularly regarding authority in their territories. Sharaa appointed a committee to draft the temporary constitution, which includes provisions that reinforce that the head of state must be a Muslim and that Islamic law serves as the primary legal foundation.
Abdulhamid Al-Awak, a committee member and constitutional law expert, highlighted that the temporary constitution also retains freedoms concerning expression and the media while ensuring an absolute separation of powers. It notably grants the president extraordinary powers, including declaring a state of emergency. Awak emphasized that this constitution aims to strike a balance between social welfare and freedom amidst the ongoing political turmoil in Syria.
Plans to form a committee for drafting a permanent constitution are underway, though the inclusiveness of various political, religious, and ethnic groups remains uncertain. Sharaa recently concluded a significant agreement with US-backed Kurdish authorities, which included a ceasefire and the integration of their forces with government security agencies. This agreement comes on the heels of a violent counterinsurgency that resulted in civilian casualties, primarily from the Alawite community.
The interim constitution is designed to provide a timeline for the political transition in Syria, with projections calling for up to three years for a new constitution and five years for elections. Following a national dialogue conference that prompted the announcement of the temporary constitution, critics noted that the conference lacked representation from Syria’s diverse sectarian and civil society groups. Furthermore, the United States and European nations remain cautious about lifting sanctions on Syria until there are clear assurances regarding the establishment of an inclusive political framework that safeguards minority rights.
In summary, Syria’s signing of a temporary constitution marks a significant shift towards Islamist governance, coming after the removal of Bashar al-Assad. While this transition provides a framework for political change, challenges remain in achieving inclusivity and stability. The international community, particularly Western nations, maintains a cautious stance regarding sanctions, pending evidence of meaningful reforms that promote equality among diverse groups within Syria. The path forward is fraught with challenges as the country navigates its new political landscape.
Original Source: www.france24.com
