Syria's de facto leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, has announced that elections may be postponed for up to four years following the recent overthrow of the Assad regime by his rebel group. Al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, leads the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) and emphasized the need to first establish infrastructure and draft a new constitution before holding elections.
Al-Sharaa stated that the interim government, initially set to stay until March 2025, is focused on rebuilding the country after decades of rule under Bashar al-Assad. He highlighted the importance of preventing a repeat of past experiences and steering Syria in a new direction.
Furthermore, Al-Sharaa revealed plans for HTS to be dissolved, with the announcement expected at the upcoming National Dialogue Conference aimed at facilitating the transitional phase. The timeline for this conference has not been set yet.
In terms of international relations, Al-Sharaa expressed a desire for Russia to maintain its presence in Syria in a manner that aligns with their historical ties. Notably, Russia has been withdrawing military equipment and troops since Assad's ousting.
Recent diplomatic engagements include a visit by a Ukrainian delegation to Damascus, underscoring shared experiences and struggles between the Syrian and Ukrainian people. Al-Sharaa has also met with delegations from the US, European countries, and regional powers like Saudi Arabia, signaling efforts to gain international legitimacy and distance himself from his Al-Qaeda past.
The US recently announced the removal of a $10 million bounty on Al-Sharaa, citing a policy decision to focus on combating terrorism and critical issues. European nations and regional players have also engaged with the new Syrian leader, reflecting a shift towards diplomatic dialogue and potential cooperation.
Al-Sharaa's evolving style, transitioning from jihadist attire to more formal suits, symbolizes his diplomatic engagement and aspirations for Syria's future. He has emphasized the role of Saudi Arabia in shaping Syria's path forward and called on Iran to reconsider its regional interventions.
In conclusion, Syria under Al-Sharaa's leadership is navigating a complex transition period, balancing internal reconstruction efforts with external diplomatic engagements to chart a new course for the war-torn nation.
