The Rebel Coalition Seizes Control of Syria, Appoints New President
The rebel coalition that seized control of Syria last month has appointed its leader, Ahmed al-Shara, as president of the country to preside over a transitional period, Syrian state media reported on Wednesday.
Constitution Nullified and Legislature and Army Dissolved
A spokesman for the coalition, Col. Hassan Abdel Ghani, also declared that the Constitution had been nullified and the legislature and army formed under the country’s deposed dictator, Bashar al-Assad, were dissolved, according to Syria’s state news agency, SANA.
New Government Established
The declarations amounted to the country’s first official steps toward establishing a new government after the rebel coalition, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham or H.T.S., swept into the capital, Damascus, last month in a lightning offensive that toppled Mr. al-Assad. Mr. al-Shara, who led that coalition, has since been serving as the country’s de facto leader.
Transition Period Aims to Unite Rebel Factions
As the president of the transitional government, Mr. al-Shara will be at the helm of a once unimaginable period of transition in Syria, which had been ruled by the iron fist of the Assad family for more than 50 years. After nearly 14 years of civil war that left Syria severely fractured, Mr. al-Shara is trying to unite many disparate rebel factions under a single government. But it was not immediately clear whether there was a broad consensus among those groups about his appointment as president for a transitional period.
Goals for the Country
Since H.T.S. seized Damascus in early December, Mr. al-Shara has laid out lofty goals for the country, including rebuilding the state, ridding its institutions of corruption and cronyism and freeing the country free from the terror that defined Mr. al-Assad’s government — particularly during the country’s long civil war.
Challenges Ahead
But many Syrians have questioned whether Mr. al-Shara will be able to deliver on its sweeping promises and reconcile his rebel group’s militant Islamist roots with a largely secular state. His armed Islamist group evolved years ago from an affiliate of Al Qaeda and Mr. al-Shara has had a $10 million U.S. bounty on his head for years. American officials announced in a visit to Damascus last month that they had planned to scrap that designation.
Establishment of Temporary Legislative Council
Mr. al-Shara is now expected to establish a temporary legislative council that will govern the country until a new constitution is adopted, according to SANA.
Conclusion
The appointment of Ahmed al-Shara as president of the transitional government marks a significant step in Syria’s transition period, but many challenges lie ahead. The success of his administration will depend on his ability to unite disparate rebel factions and deliver on his promises to rebuild the country.
FAQs
Q: What is the current situation in Syria?
A: The rebel coalition, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham or H.T.S., has seized control of Syria and appointed its leader, Ahmed al-Shara, as president of the country to preside over a transitional period.
Q: What are the goals of the new government?
A: The government aims to rebuild the state, rid its institutions of corruption and cronyism, and free the country from the terror that defined the previous government.
Q: What are the challenges ahead?
A: Many Syrians have questioned whether the new government will be able to deliver on its promises and reconcile its militant Islamist roots with a largely secular state. The government must also unite disparate rebel factions and address the country’s severe economic and social issues.
Q: What is the role of the temporary legislative council?
A: The temporary legislative council will govern the country until a new constitution is adopted.