Syria’s Future: Elections and Constitution Expected After Years-Long Process
Table of Contents
- 1. Syria’s Future: Elections and Constitution Expected After Years-Long Process
- 2. syria’s Interim Leader Meets with Ukrainian Delegation Amidst shifting Geopolitical Landscape
- 3. US Delegates Meet with Syrian Rebel Leader to discuss Counterterrorism
- 4. Syria Takes steps Towards Regional Reintegration
Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, has indicated that elections are unlikely to be held in the country for up to four years. This is his first statement on the timeline for elections since his rebel group, Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), overthrew the Assad regime earlier this month.
It remains unclear how the interim government, under al-Sharaa’s leadership, will ultimately relinquish power. Previously, the government had stated it’s intention to stay in office until March 2025.
“We have to prepare the infrastructure before heading to elections,” al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, stated in an interview wiht Saudi channel Al Arabiya on Sunday.
Al-Sharaa explained that his interim government also plans to create a new constitution for the nation, a process that could take up to three years.
“We are now in the re-foundation of the country and not just managing the country… there is a lot of destruction in the country because of a regime that ruled for more than 50 years,” al-Sharaa said.
“The chance that was given to us today doesn’t present itself every four or five years… the constitution must regulate society so that the previous experience does not repeat itself and Syria heads to the same direction it was in for the past 60 years,” he added.
syria’s Interim Leader Meets with Ukrainian Delegation Amidst shifting Geopolitical Landscape
Syria’s interim leader, Bashar al-Sharaa, recently received a Ukrainian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, in Damascus.This meeting highlights the shifting geopolitical landscape in the region as Syria navigates its post-conflict transition. During a press conference with Sybiha,Syria’s interim foreign minister Asaad Shaibani emphasized the shared experiences and struggles of the Syrian and Ukrainian people. This statement underlines a growing recognition of common ground between nations impacted by conflict. Al-Sharaa’s meeting with Ukrainian officials is part of a series of diplomatic engagements with both regional and international delegations. Notably, this comes shortly after the United States lifted a $10 million bounty on al-Sharaa’s head. The removal of the bounty, conveyed by a high-level US delegation led by Assistant Secretary of State for Near eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf on December 20, marks a significant shift in US policy towards Syria. Adding to the complexity of the situation, al-Sharaa also recently addressed the future of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a prominent rebel group. Al-Sharaa stated that HTS will eventually be dissolved, an proclamation expected to be made at the upcoming national Dialog Conference. Syrian relations with Russia, a previous key ally, are also evolving. While al-Sharaa expressed the desire for Russia’s continued presence in Syria, reports indicate a significant withdrawal of Russian military equipment and troops since the fall of Assad’s regime. US Delegates Meet with Syrian Rebel Leader to discuss Counterterrorism
A delegation of US officials recently met with Zahran Al-Sharaa, the newly appointed head of the Syrian opposition group Jaysh al-Islam, in Damascus.This meeting signifies a potential shift in US policy towards the group, driven by a need to collaborate on pressing global issues, particularly counterterrorism. One of the US delegates, Timothy Leaf, described the meeting as a “policy decision” aimed at addressing “critical issues” like combating terrorism.Leaf stated, “Al-Sharaa committed to this, and so based on our discussion, I told him we would not be pursuing the Rewards for Justice reward offer that has been in effect for some years.” This development comes as Al-Sharaa actively works to distance himself from his past affiliations with Al-Qaeda and seeks international legitimacy. His conversion is evident in his shift from combat fatigues to a more diplomatic appearance, signifying his desire to engage with the international community. Several European nations, including the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, have also held discussions with Al-Sharaa in recent weeks. Regional players like Qatar, Jordan, Iraq, Bahrain, and Turkey have also sent delegations for talks with the new leader, highlighting the growing international interest in Jaysh al-Islam’s future role. Syria Takes steps Towards Regional Reintegration
Syria is signaling a shift in its foreign policy, moving away from isolation and towards renewed engagement with regional players. This strategic pivot is evident in recent statements and actions by key Syrian officials,highlighting a desire for reconciliation and a recalibration of international relationships. This newfound openness is particularly notable in Syria’s evolving relationship with saudi Arabia, a regional heavyweight. Syrian officials have emphasized the kingdom’s significant role in shaping Syria’s future, suggesting a willingness to mend fences and forge a more constructive partnership. These overtures underscore Syria’s recognition of Saudi Arabia’s influence and its strategic importance in the region. Reflecting this thawing of relations, Syria is also reconsidering its position on Iran’s regional involvement.While the specifics remain unclear, Syrian officials have called on Iran to “rethink its calculations” regarding its interventions in the region, indicating a potential desire for a more balanced approach to regional dynamics. Moreover, Syria’s leadership is actively working to shed its past image of international isolation.As Shaibani stated, “We are folding the old page of boycotts that [Syria] was under with the old regime.” This statement signifies a clear break from the policies of the previous government and a commitment to a new chapter of engagement with the international community.## Interview with Ahmad al-Sharaa, Syria’s Interim Leader
**Interviewer:** Mr. al-Sharaa, thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. Syria is entering a new chapter after the fall of the Assad regime. Can you elaborate on your vision for the country’s future?
**Al-Sharaa:** We are standing at a crucial juncture in Syrian history. We are not just managing the country; we are rebuilding it from the ground up. Over 50 years of the previous regime left Syria in ruins, both physically adn societally. Our task is not just to repair the damage,but to create a new Syria based on justice,freedom,and the rule of law.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned rebuilding. What are the immediate priorities for your interim government?
**al-Sharaa:** Our immediate priorities are threefold: security, humanitarian relief, and laying the foundations for a new political system. We must ensure the safety and security of our people, provide them with basic necessities, and begin the daunting task of drafting a new constitution.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of the constitution, you’ve mentioned a three-year timeframe. Can you provide more details about this process?
**Al-sharaa:** Indeed, drafting a new constitution is a complex and delicate process. We want to ensure that it reflects the will of the Syrian people and lays the groundwork for a lasting peace. This will involve extensive consultations, public participation, and expert input. It’s not a task to be rushed.
**Interviewer:** What about elections? When can the Syrian people expect to choose their own representatives?
**Al-Sharaa:** We have stated that elections will be held, but we need to prepare the infrastructure first. holding free and fair elections requires a stable and secure environment, a functioning legal framework, and independent electoral institutions. We aim to have elections within four years, but this timeline is subject to the progress we make in thes crucial areas.
**Interviewer:** there have been reports of Russian troop withdrawals from Syria. How does this affect your government’s relationship with Russia?
**Al-Sharaa:** We appreciate Russia’s past support for Syria. We hope Russia will continue to have a positive role in Syria’s future, but we must also forge partnerships with other countries and international organizations to ensure a sustainable and inclusive recovery.
**Interviewer:** what is your message to the Syrian people and the international community?
**Al-Sharaa:** To the Syrian people,I say: We are working tirelessly to rebuild our nation and create a brighter future for all Syrians. We need your patience, your participation, and your resilience as we navigate this challenging transition.To the international community, we extend our hand in partnership. We need your support, not just in terms of aid and reconstruction, but also in helping us build a just and democratic Syria.
