Syria’s interim president has signed a temporary constitution that establishes Islamist rule for five years, aiming to guide the country through a turbulent transition following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The move comes amid rising sectarian violence and uncertainty over the nation’s future.
The new administration, led by former Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, has struggled to assert authority across Syria since the December offensive that ended Assad’s decades-long rule. While the interim government claims the new constitution guarantees equality for all citizens, religious and ethnic minorities remain wary of the Islamist leadership.
A Constitution with Islamist Foundations
The newly signed constitution retains key Islamic provisions, including the requirement that the head of state be a Muslim and that Islamic law serves as the primary source of jurisprudence. However, it also promises freedom of expression, media rights, and a structured separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
The document establishes a People’s Committee as an interim parliament, with two-thirds of its members appointed by a governing body and the remainder selected directly by al-Sharaa. It also bans unauthorized armed groups and criminalizes any glorification of the former Assad regime.
A separate committee will be formed to draft a permanent constitution, though it remains unclear whether it will be more inclusive of Syria’s diverse political, religious, and ethnic communities.
Tensions and Regional Fallout
Al-Sharaa recently signed a landmark ceasefire agreement with Kurdish-led forces in northeastern Syria, integrating their armed units into the central government’s security agencies. However, violence continues in parts of the country. Reports indicate that hundreds of Alawite civilians—belonging to Assad’s sect—were killed in retaliatory attacks by factions aligned with the new regime.
In a separate development, an Israeli airstrike targeted a Palestinian Islamic Jihad command center in Damascus, wounding three people. Israel’s military stated that the site was used to coordinate attacks against Israeli targets, vowing to continue striking terrorist operatives in Syria.
Meanwhile, Turkey’s top leadership, including its foreign minister, defense minister, and intelligence chief, paid an unexpected visit to Damascus, following recent agreements between the interim government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
Amid ongoing instability, thousands of displaced Syrians have taken refuge at a Russian military airbase in Latakia province. The Russian Foreign Ministry reported that nearly 9,000 civilians, mostly women and children, are currently sheltering there.
As Syria’s fragile transition unfolds, the international community remains cautious. Western governments continue to withhold sanctions relief, citing concerns over minority rights and political inclusivity. Meanwhile, Syria’s interim leadership is urging global powers to reconsider, warning that economic collapse could trigger further unrest.
Source: https://www.timesofisrael.com/syrias-interim-president-signs-constitution-enshrining-islamist-rule-for-5-years/