Ahmed al-Sharaa Assumes Presidency During Syria’s Transitional Phase

Ahmed al-Sharaa has been named Syria’s transitional president after the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad. Key actions include the cancellation of the 2012 constitution and the formation of an interim governing council. The Russian government has been urged to provide reparations, while ongoing discussions indicate the importance of Russo-Syrian relations for recovery efforts.

Ahmed al-Sharaa has been appointed as the president for Syria’s transitional period, following a recent offensive that led to the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad. Reportedly, the rebel military commander Hassan Abdul Ghani announced the abolishment of the 2012 constitution alongside the dissolution of the previous regime’s parliament, military, and security forces. In his new role, al-Sharaa will establish an interim legislative council to govern until a new constitution is adopted.

During a meeting in Damascus, rebel leaders concurred that all factions opposing Assad would be disbanded and their members integrated into state institutions. This alliance includes Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist group previously linked to al-Qaeda, which held significant control in northwestern Syria. Since the civil war began in 2011, Syria has faced severe devastation, resulting in over half a million fatalities and millions of displaced individuals.

Following the rebel advances into Damascus, Assad resigned and sought refuge in Russia. An interim government under Mohammed al-Bashir is currently steering the country, slated to operate until March. Meanwhile, the Syrian government has urged Russia to amend its prior missteps by considering war reparations during a notable visit from a Kremlin delegation.

Discussions between Sharaa and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov aimed to foster trust by implementing reparative measures like compensation and reconstruction efforts. The Russian government voiced its unwavering backing for Syria’s sovereignty and expressed readiness to assist in the country’s recovery. Since its intervention in 2015, the Russian military’s operations have resulted in significant civilian casualties and continued geopolitical complexities within the region.

Following the Kremlin’s visit, spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized the trip’s significance while confirming ongoing dialogues between the Syrian authorities and Russia. Al-Sharaa has underscored the importance of Russo-Syrian relations, emphasizing shared strategic interests and the reliance on Russian military resources and expertise in Syrian infrastructure management.

The appointment of Ahmed al-Sharaa marks a pivotal shift in Syria’s leadership during this transitional period following the fall of Assad. The abolishment of the prior constitutional framework coupled with the establishment of new governance structures signifies a decisive departure from the previous regime. The ongoing cooperation with Russia remains crucial for Syria’s recovery, reflecting the intricate ties between the nations during this tumultuous phase.

Original Source: www.bbc.com