Ahmed al-Sharaa Appointed President of Syria’s Transitional Government

Ahmed al-Sharaa has been appointed as Syria’s transitional president following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad. The rebel-led offensive has led to the cancellation of the 2012 constitution and the dissolution of the former regime. An interim government will operate until a new constitution is ratified, with discussions regarding rebuilding trust and support from Russia ongoing.

Syria’s transitional government has appointed Ahmed al-Sharaa as president for the transitional period following the recent overthrow of Bashar al-Assad. This decision was reported by state media seven weeks after the rebel offensive led by al-Sharaa successfully seized control. Rebel military commander Hassan Abdul Ghani announced the cancellation of the 2012 constitution and the disbanding of previous governmental structures, including the parliament, army, and security services. Al-Sharaa plans to establish an interim legislative council to govern until a new constitution is proposed.

The meeting, held in Damascus, included commanders from factions allied to al-Sharaa’s Islamist group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which has historical ties to al-Qaeda and is still deemed a terrorist organization by multiple global entities. The decision comes in the aftermath of a civil war that erupted in 2011 when Assad’s regime harshly suppressed a pro-democracy movement, resulting in over 500,000 fatalities and significant displacement.

Amid these developments, on December 8, as rebels advanced into Damascus, Assad resigned and fled to Russia. An interim government, led by Mohammed al-Bashir, has been entrusted with managing affairs until March. Meanwhile, the Syrian government has requested that Russia acknowledge its past actions and consider reparations, coinciding with a visit from a high-ranking Russian delegation.

The discussions between Sharaa and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov focused on rebuilding trust within Syria through measures such as compensation and reconstruction. The Russian government has signaled its commitment to supporting Syria’s unity and reconstruction efforts, despite previous military interventions that resulted in high civilian casualties. Following Assad’s fall, Russia is reportedly in the process of reducing its military presence in Syria but aims to maintain its strategic naval bases at Tartous and Hmeimim.

In light of the ongoing dialogue, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized the importance of maintaining communication with Syrian authorities. Sharaa has expressed the desire for Russia to remain engaged in a manner that fosters the bilateral relationship, underscoring the interconnections between both nations regarding military and infrastructure support.

In conclusion, Ahmed al-Sharaa’s appointment as Syria’s transitional president marks a significant moment in the nation’s ongoing recovery process after the civil war. The dismantling of Assad’s former government structures and the integration of rebel factions into state mechanisms signal a shift toward establishing a more functional governance system. The involvement of Russia in the discussions surrounding Syria’s future underscores the geopolitical complexities at play as the nation seeks to rebuild. These developments highlight the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation between Syria and its allies as they navigate the challenges ahead.

Original Source: www.bbc.com