Syria’s interim president signed a temporary constitution establishing Islamist rule for five years following the overthrow of Bashar Assad. The constitution retains Islamic governance parameters but includes commitments to freedoms of expression and press. A new committee will draft a permanent constitution, with ongoing concerns regarding inclusivity and international skepticism toward lifting sanctions.
On March 13, 2025, Syria’s interim president, Ahmad Al-Sharaa, signed a temporary constitution that establishes Islamist governance for a five-year transitional period. This development follows the overthrow of former leader Bashar Assad by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) during a rapid insurgency. Despite the removal of Assad’s long-standing regime, skepticism remains among minority groups towards the new Islamist authority.
The interim constitution, drafted by a committee led by Abdulhamid Al-Awak, retains certain elements of the old constitution, including the stipulation that the head of state must be a Muslim and that Islamic law serves as the primary source of jurisprudence. However, it also incorporates rights such as freedom of expression and press, aiming to balance social security with liberties amidst Syria’s volatile political environment.
Al-Sharaa has initiated a process to form a new committee responsible for drafting a permanent constitution, though its inclusivity regarding Syria’s diverse political and ethnic landscape remains uncertain. Notably, Al-Sharaa recently secured a ceasefire agreement with U.S.-backed Kurdish-led authorities, integrating their forces with the central government’s security structures.
The primary intent behind the interim constitution is to chart a roadmap for Syria’s political transition, with estimates suggesting the process may take up to five years. Recent national dialogue conferences called for immediate parliamentary elections, yet critics argue these meetings failed to adequately represent Syria’s various sects and civil society. The international community remains cautious about lifting sanctions on Syria, waiting to see whether the new leadership will promote an inclusive political system and safeguard minority rights while addressing the nation’s economic challenges.
The signing of the temporary constitution signifies a significant political shift in Syria as it moves under Islamist rule for five years. While the interim government aims to promote certain freedoms, there remains uncertainty regarding inclusivity for various ethnic and sectarian groups. International stakeholders continue to scrutinize the new leaders and their capacity to establish stability and respect for minority rights amidst ongoing economic instability.
Original Source: apnews.com
