In a dramatic shift in Syria’s political landscape, former rebel leader Ahmed al-Sharaa was named interim president on Wednesday, following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime last month. Al-Sharaa, who played a pivotal role in the rebel campaign that ultimately led to Assad’s departure, now faces the formidable challenge of rebuilding the nation from the ruins of conflict.
The road to power
Al-Sharaa’s appointment was confirmed by the coalition of military factions responsible for overthrowing the former government. Having served as the de facto head of government since Assad’s flight to Russia, his leadership was formalised as Syria embarks on a transitional phase.
However, al-Sharaa’s past affiliations have raised concerns internationally. Once aligned with al-Qaida and now leading Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)—a U.S.-designated terrorist group—his rise to power is not without controversy. HTS spearheaded the final assault on Damascus in December, marking the end of more than fifty years of Assad family rule.
Despite his past, al-Sharaa has made efforts to reposition himself as a pragmatic leader. The U.S. had previously placed a $10 million bounty on him, but this was recently lifted following diplomatic discussions between American officials and Syria’s new administration. Barbara Leaf, a senior U.S. diplomat in the Middle East, described al-Sharaa as “pragmatic” after a meeting in Damascus, according to the Associated Press.
Challenges ahead
One of al-Sharaa’s first tasks as interim president is to establish a transitional legislative council. The previous Syrian parliament has been dissolved, and the existing constitution annulled, leaving the country in a legal vacuum. While a new charter is set to be drafted, no timeline has been provided for the adoption of a fresh constitution or the formation of a new parliament.
In a televised address, al-Sharaa outlined his immediate priorities, emphasising the need to “fill the governmental vacuum in a legitimate and legal way.” He also pledged to “maintain civil peace by seeking transitional justice and preventing revenge attacks” in the aftermath of Assad’s rule. The promise of stability and reconciliation will be key to his administration’s legitimacy, particularly in a nation deeply fractured by years of war and sectarian violence.
Public reactions
The announcement of al-Sharaa’s presidency sparked celebrations in Damascus, where thousands took to the streets to mark what many see as the dawn of a new era. Among those celebrating was Abdallah al-Sweid, who told the Associated Press, “He is someone who is intelligent and has a good understanding. He led the battle that freed Syria. He deserves to be president.”
Despite the optimism among his supporters, others remain sceptical. Fawaz Gerges, a professor of international relations at the London School of Economics, warned that al-Sharaa’s appointment could signal the rise of another authoritarian regime. “My take is that HTS and Sharaa intend to consolidate single-party Islamist rule,” he told Reuters. Gerges believes that while the Assad regime has collapsed, Syria risks slipping into another form of autocratic governance under Islamist control.
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International response
The international community remains cautious in its approach to Syria’s new leadership. While Western nations have welcomed the end of Assad’s rule, they remain wary of HTS’s influence. The group’s history of extremism poses a diplomatic dilemma for countries that have long condemned its activities.
Russia, a key ally of Assad, has yet to officially comment on the new administration. Moscow had provided military and financial support to the former Syrian government for years, and Assad’s sudden departure to Russian territory has left his fate uncertain. Meanwhile, regional powers, including Turkey and Iran, are closely monitoring the situation, each with their own strategic interests in Syria’s future.
Uncertain future
As Syria stands at a crossroads, the coming months will be critical in determining the country’s trajectory. Al-Sharaa’s ability to unite the nation, draft a new constitution, and establish a functional government will define his legacy. Whether he is remembered as a liberator or a new strongman remains to be seen.
For now, Syria’s people, weary from years of war and dictatorship, can only hope that their future will be brighter than their past.
