Syria’s Interim President Signs Temporary Constitution Under Islamist Governance

Syria’s interim president Ahmad Al-Sharaa signed a temporary constitution establishing Islamist rule for five years following an insurgency. While some provisions uphold freedoms, concerns exist about inclusivity for minorities. The transition aims for a new constitution by 2028, amid Western hesitance to lift sanctions until political inclusivity is ensured.

On March 13, 2025, Syria’s interim president, Ahmad Al-Sharaa, officially signed a temporary constitution that places the nation under Islamist rule for a duration of five years. This development follows a swift takeover by the Islamist group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which ousted former leader Bashar Assad late last year during a significant insurgency.

Ahmad Al-Sharaa, previously a leader within HTS, was appointed as interim president after a meeting among armed groups that participated in the offensive against Assad. During this meeting, these factions agreed to abolish the existing constitution and proceed with drafting a new one.

While the removal of Assad’s 50-year regime pleased some, religious and ethnic minorities express apprehension regarding the new Islamist leadership’s control over their territories. Abdulhamid Al-Awak, a committee member assigned by Al-Sharaa to formulate the temporary constitution, confirmed that it retains several elements from the previous constitution, such as the requirement that the head of state must be Muslim and that Islamic law will be the primary basis of jurisprudence.

Al-Awak also noted that the temporary constitution aims to preserve freedoms of expression and the press, striving to create a balance between social security and individual liberties amid Syria’s turbulent political conditions. An entirely new committee is anticipated to draft a permanent constitution, though the extent of its inclusivity for diverse political and ethnic communities in Syria remains uncertain.

Following a significant agreement with Kurdish-led authorities in northeastern Syria, Al-Sharaa has also established a ceasefire and initiated the incorporation of their military forces into the central government’s security apparatus. This arrangement responded to recent violent insurgencies linked to pro-Assad factions, which prompted a rigorous counter-offensive resulting in numerous civilian casualties.

A primary intention behind the interim constitution is to outline a timeline for political transition. Al-Sharaa indicated that the complete rewriting of Syria’s constitution might take up to three years, while organizing elections could extend to five years. In the lead-up to this temporary constitution’s announcement, critics raised concerns about the national dialogue conference’s lack of representation for Syria’s varied ethnic, sectarian, and civil interests.

Western powers, particularly the United States and European nations, have expressed reluctance to lift sanctions imposed during Assad’s regime. They seek assurances that the new leadership will foster an inclusive political environment and safeguard minority rights, amid fears that economic decline could lead to further unrest in Syria.

In summary, the signing of a temporary constitution by Syria’s interim president Ahmad Al-Sharaa marks a pivotal shift under Islamist rule following a significant insurgency. While there are provisions for freedom of expression, apprehension remains among minorities regarding inclusivity in governance. The timeline for political transition is set, but skepticism persists over the new government’s commitment to an inclusive system that protects diverse societal segments.

Original Source: apnews.com