By Malak Khaled
Ahmed al-Sharaa has been named president of Syria for the transitional period following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad. This marks a pivotal moment in Syria’s post-Assad future, as Sharaa assumes control over the country amid the transition to a new government.
Who is Ahmed al-Sharaa?
Once known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, al-Sharaa’s journey to leadership is marked by his involvement in various militant groups.
Prisoner of Camp Bucca
He first gained attention as a fighter in Iraq during the early 2000s, joining the insurgency against U.S. forces. He was then captured and held at Camp Bucca, a U.S. military prison, for some time before returning to Syria.
Previous Affiliation with al-Qaeda
Upon returning to Syria, he founded Jabhat al-Nusra in 2012, a group initially aligned with al-Qaeda with the goal of toppling the Assad regime. However, in 2016, he broke ties with al-Qaeda.
Leading HTS against Assad’s Regime
After breaking it off with al-Qaeda, Ahmed al-Sharaa formed Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group that gradually took control of Syria’s northwest.
In December 2024, Ahmed al-Sharaa led HTS in a decisive offensive that culminated in the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad after they entered Damascus.
What Lies Ahead for Syria
Transition to New Leadership
Sharaa was appointed president for the transitional phase, with authority to establish a temporary legislative council to manage the country until a new constitution is adopted.
Dissolution of the Former Regime
Sharaa’s administration announced the cancellation of Syria’s 2012 constitution and the dissolution of the previous regime’s military, security agencies, and parliament.
Formation of New Governance
All rebel factions will be integrated into state institutions, signaling the beginning of a new political and military structure under Sharaa’s leadership.
Future Elections and Constitutional Drafting
Sharaa has stated that new elections may take up to four years, with a new constitution requiring up to three years for completion and a national census to be conducted beforehand.
Reconstruction and Rebuilding
The interim president has emphasized the importance of rebuilding state institutions, particularly the military and economic infrastructure, while maintaining civil peace and justice.
A Call for Russia to Hand Over Assad
Al-Sharaa has requested that Russia hand over Bashar al-Assad to be brought to justice. Some reports suggest that Al-Sharaa also requested approximately $2 billion in liquid assets from Assad, allegedly held in Russian banks under Assad’s family name.
The developments mark a significant step in Syria’s political shift, but challenges remain, particularly regarding the integration of diverse opposition factions into a unified government structure.
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