Sharaa named Syria’s interim president
DAMASCUS (WNS) — Syrian factions that ousted President Bashar Assad last month have named an Islamist former rebel leader as interim president. They aim to unite and rebuild Syria after nearly 14 years of civil war. The factions also discarded Syria’s constitution, pledging to draft a new charter soon.
Ahmad al-Sharaa, a former al-Qaida affiliate, became Syria’s transitional president after a meeting of former insurgent factions in Damascus. The state-run SANA news agency reported the announcement by Col. Hassan Abdul Ghani, spokesperson for the new government’s military operations sector. The selection process for al-Sharaa remains unclear.
Formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, al-Sharaa leads Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which spearheaded the offensive that toppled Assad in December. The group has since renounced its al-Qaida ties. Al-Sharaa recently positioned himself as a advocate for pluralism, tolerance, and minority rights.
The U.S. once offered a $10 million bounty for al-Sharaa but withdrew it last month after a delegation met him in Damascus. U.S. diplomat Barbara Leaf described him as “pragmatic” following their discussions.
At Wednesday’s meeting, al-Sharaa emphasized the challenges facing Syria’s new leadership. He warned against arrogance and tyranny, stressing the need for legitimate governance and transitional justice.
Syrians celebrated in Damascus, honking car horns and firing shots in the air. Many expressed support for al-Sharaa, praising his role in Assad’s overthrow.
Critics, however, questioned the appointment’s timing and lack of clarity on next steps. Mohammad Salim Alkhateb of the National Coalition of Syrian Revolution and Opposition Forces highlighted concerns about confusion and unmet promises.
Qatar welcomed al-Sharaa’s appointment, urging unity among Syrian factions to facilitate a peaceful political transition. Western nations remain cautious about Syria’s new Islamist leadership despite restoring ties with Damascus.
Col. Abdul Ghani announced the annulment of Syria’s 2012 constitution, authorizing al-Sharaa to form a temporary legislative council. He also declared the disbandment of armed factions, integrating them into state institutions.
Since Assad’s fall, HTS has emerged as the de facto ruling party, establishing an interim government with officials from rebel-held Idlib. The interim authorities pledged inclusive processes for a new government and constitution, though no timeline exists.
Al-Sharaa called for a unified national army and security forces, but challenges remain in unifying former rebel groups with differing ideologies.
The U.S.-backed Kurdish groups, controlling an autonomous enclave, did not attend the factions’ meeting. Tensions have risen between Kurdish forces and Turkish-backed groups allied with HTS in northern Syria.
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Syria’s new foreign minister, Asaad al-Shibani, sought international support for rebuilding the war-torn nation.
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