Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, stated that the country’s political transition to democracy could take up to four years, primarily due to the need to draft a new constitution. Sharaa also highlighted the importance of maintaining ties with Iran and Russia and called for the lifting of U.S. sanctions following the fall of Assad. An interim government is in place until March 1 to manage the transition.
In a recent interview, Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, announced that the nation’s transition to democracy could require up to four years. He emphasized that a critical step in this process would entail drafting a new constitution, which he estimates may take between two to three years before elections can commence. This timeframe follows the recent ousting of Bashar al-Assad by al-Sharaa’s Islamist rebel group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), signaling a significant political shift in the war-torn nation.
Sharaa articulated his vision for future governance during the discussion, highlighting the necessity of maintaining strong diplomatic ties with Iran and Russia, both of whom have historically supported the Assad regime. He called upon the United States to reconsider its sanctions against Syria, suggesting that they should be lifted now that Assad is no longer in power. Furthermore, Sharaa’s remarks reflect a transitional phase wherein an interim government has been established to manage the country until early March, providing it with a critical window to navigate these changes.
In alignment with the objectives stated in United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254, adopted in 2015, Sharaa underscored the importance of engaging in a national dialogue that encapsulates the voices of all Syrians. He stressed the goal of forming a comprehensive and inclusive governance structure, while also emphasizing the need to integrate Kurdish-led forces into the national army. This gesture may potentially pave the way for a more unified national defense apparatus capable of addressing various regional challenges.
Sharaa also articulated the perceived necessity for Russia’s ongoing involvement in Syria, recognizing the strategic importance of the Russian presence, especially regarding military assets and infrastructure built during the Assad regime. Additionally, he acknowledged the potential for significant investment from neighboring countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, to foster economic recovery and development in post-conflict Syria.
The context of Ahmed al-Sharaa’s statements comes in the wake of a monumental shift in Syrian politics following the successful ousting of Bashar al-Assad by rebel factions. The announcement also follows the United Nations’ ongoing attempts to mediate a political resolution to the Syrian conflict, with the explicit direction to establish a new constitution and conduct fair elections. The region remains tumultuous, and the alliances formed during the war are integral to understanding the future trajectory of Syrian governance.
In conclusion, the remarks from Ahmed al-Sharaa represent a pivotal moment in Syria’s ongoing struggle for democratic governance. As the country navigates the complex landscape of post-conflict politics, the emphasis on writing a new constitution, fostering inclusive governance, and maintaining strategic alliances is crucial. These developments signal a long and challenging journey toward political stability and reconstruction in Syria.
Original Source: www.abc.net.au
