Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa signed a temporary constitution, marking the start of a five-year transitional period post-al-Assad regime. The constitution maintains some existing stipulations while promoting freedoms and transitional justice, although critics question its inclusivity. The signing coincided with an Israeli airstrike in Damascus, highlighting ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has officially signed a temporary constitution that will govern the nation for the next five years. This signing follows a recent offensive that ousted Bashar al-Assad’s administration. Al-Sharaa expressed his hope that this constitutional declaration symbolizes the beginning of a new era defined by justice rather than oppression, proclaiming it on Thursday amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The new constitution incorporates certain stipulations from its predecessor, particularly regarding the head of state’s religious affiliation and adherence to Islamic law as the foundational legal framework. Abdulhamid al-Awak, a member of the drafting committee, noted the contentious nature of religious leadership rules within the document, affirming the requirement for the president to be a Muslim, indicating a blending of religion and governance.
Moreover, the temporary constitution includes provisions that advocate for freedom of expression and the rights of women in various spheres. Al-Awak elaborated on its design to strike a balance between social security and freedom, a necessity amid Syria’s precarious political landscape. Transitional justice is a focal point, aiming to hold accountable those who committed crimes during al-Assad’s regime.
Executive powers are predominantly assigned to the president, with a newly formed assembly, one-third of which will be presidentially appointed, designated to legislate until elections can be conducted in the next four to five years. While this assembly theoretically possesses the power to dismiss the president, practical challenges in achieving such an outcome exist due to the appointed nature of many of its members.
In a significant political move, al-Sharaa also reached a groundbreaking agreement with the US-backed Kurdish-led authorities, entailing a ceasefire and the integration of their forces with the central government. However, the recent conflict involving al-Assad loyalists led to substantial civilian casualties, particularly among the Alawite community.
The interim administration is still consolidating power across Syria, following their decisive actions last December. Critics assert that the recent national dialogue conference, which led to the temporary constitution, lacked inclusivity regarding the nation’s diverse ethnic and sectarian demographics.
Amid these developments, the signing of the constitution coincided with an Israeli airstrike in Damascus, possibly targeting members of Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Al Jazeera’s Serdar reported the coinciding loud explosions and indicated that this strike demonstrates Israel’s intention to remind the new Syrian leadership of its presence and surveillance over the nation.
The signing of the temporary constitution marks a pivotal moment in Syria’s political transition, promising a shift towards justice and governance reform. However, the document maintains certain traditional elements and poses questions about the true inclusivity of the new government. With ongoing military tensions and the challenge of post-war governance, the al-Sharaa administration’s ability to establish stability and legitimacy remains uncertain. The geopolitical landscape continues to complicate Syria’s path as external forces, such as Israel, remain vigilant and active within the region. By acknowledging these dynamics, observers can better understand the challenges facing Syria as it navigates this complex transitional phase.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
