In a significant move to present a united front, the Syrian factions that recently ousted President Bashar Assad have named an Islamist former rebel leader as the country's interim president. The appointment of Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, as Syria's president in the transitional phase was announced after a meeting of the former insurgent factions in Damascus.
Al-Sharaa, who heads Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a group that led the offensive against Assad, has been emphasizing pluralism and tolerance in recent years. The United States had previously placed a bounty on him but canceled it after a meeting where he was described as pragmatic.
Al-Sharaa stressed the heavy responsibility facing Syria's new rulers and highlighted priorities such as filling the power vacuum, maintaining civil peace, and seeking transitional justice. Syrians celebrated the announcement, with many expressing support for the new interim president.
Qatar welcomed the decisions aimed at enhancing consensus and unity among Syrian parties, emphasizing the need for a peaceful transfer of power through a political process. Western nations, while restoring ties with Damascus, remain cautious about Syria's new Islamist rulers.
The interim government has annulled Syria's previous constitution and plans to draft a new one. All armed factions will be disbanded and absorbed into state institutions. The interim authorities have pledged to establish a new government and constitution through an inclusive process, including a national dialogue conference.
Challenges lie ahead in forming a unified national army and security forces, as well as integrating various rebel groups. The situation is further complicated by the presence of Kurdish groups that have not aligned with either the Assad government or the rebels, leading to clashes in northern Syria.
As Syria embarks on the path to rebuilding after years of civil war, the new foreign minister emphasized the need for international support at the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Davos.
