The Syrian factions that toppled President Bashar Assad last month named an Islamist former rebel leader as the country’s interim president on Wednesday in a push to project a united front as they face the monumental task of rebuilding Syria after nearly 14 years of civil war.
The former insurgents also threw out Syria’s constitution, adopted under Assad, saying a new charter would be drafted soon.
The appointment of Ahmad al-Sharaa, who was once aligned with al-Qaida, as Syria’s president "in the transitional phase" came after a meeting of the former insurgent factions in Damascus, the Syrian capital.
The announcement was made by the spokesperson for Syria’s new, de facto government’s military operations sector, Col. Hassan Abdul Ghani, the state-run SANA news agency said. The exact mechanism under which the factions selected al-Sharaa as interim president was not clear.
Al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, is the head of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which led the lightning offensive that toppled Assad in early December. The group was once affiliated with al-Qaida but has since denounced its former ties.
In recent years, al-Sharaa has sought to cast himself as a champion of pluralism and tolerance, promising to protect the rights of women and religious minorities.
The United States had previously placed a $10 million bounty on al-Sharaa but canceled it last month after a US delegation visited Damascus and met with him. Top US diplomat for the Middle East, Barbara Leaf, said after the meeting that al-Sharaa came across as "pragmatic."
As the interim leader, al-Sharaa will face the heavy task of rebuilding Syria, which has been ravaged by war. He has pledged to fill the power vacuum "legally and legitimately" and maintain civil peace by seeking transitional justice and preventing revenge attacks in the wake of Assad’s disastrous reign.
Syrians took to the streets in Damascus and elsewhere to celebrate the announcement, honking car horns and in some cases firing in the air. Many expressed support for al-Sharaa.
"This person is someone who is intelligent and has a good understanding, and he was the leader of the battle that freed Syria," said Abdallah al-Sweid, who was among those celebrating at Umayyad Square in Damascus. "He is someone who deserves to be president."
Others, including those who had rejoiced at Assad’s ouster, appeared critical of the way the appointment was made and the lack of clarity on next steps.
"The problem is not in the decisions. The problem is in the timing, the previous promises, and the confusion," said Mohammad Salim Alkhateb, an official with the National Coalition of Syrian Revolution and Opposition Forces.
Qatar was the first to react to al-Sharaa’s appointment, saying it welcomed decisions aimed at "enhancing consensus and unity among all Syrian parties." The statement added that this should help pave the way for a "peaceful transfer of power through a comprehensive political process."
Western nations, although they have moved to restore ties with Damascus after Assad’s ouster, are still somewhat circumspect about Syria’s new Islamist rulers.
Conclusion:
The appointment of Ahmad al-Sharaa as the interim president of Syria marks a significant step in the country’s transition to a new era. As the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, al-Sharaa has vowed to prioritize the rights of women and religious minorities, and to maintain civil peace through transitional justice and preventing revenge attacks. However, the path ahead is uncertain, and the international community will be closely watching the developments in Syria.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Who is Ahmad al-Sharaa?
A: Ahmad al-Sharaa is a former rebel leader who was once aligned with al-Qaida. He is the head of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which led the lightning offensive that toppled Bashar Assad in early December.
Q: What is the role of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham?
A: Hayat Tahrir al-Sham is a former rebel group that was once affiliated with al-Qaida. It has since denounced its former ties and is now a key player in the new Syrian government.
Q: What are the challenges facing al-Sharaa as interim president?
A: Al-Sharaa faces the heavy task of rebuilding Syria, which has been ravaged by war. He must also navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries between different factions and groups in the country.
Q: What is the international response to al-Sharaa’s appointment?
A: Western nations, including the United States, have expressed skepticism about Syria’s new Islamist rulers. However, Qatar has welcomed the decision, saying it will help pave the way for a "peaceful transfer of power through a comprehensive political process."