“The Long Wait: Syria’s Leaders Prolong Political Uncertainty for Up to Four Years”
Syria’s Path to Democracy: A Long and Winding Road Ahead
As Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmed Salah, has revealed, the country may not hold its first elections since the collapse of former President Bashar Assad’s regime for up to four years. Salah, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, made his first comments on a possible timetable for a key stage of the country’s political transition in an interview with Saudi broadcasters al-Arabiya and al-Hadath.
According to Salah, drafting a new constitution could take up to three years, which will undoubtedly worry Western powers that have been urging him to form an inclusive government. The longer-than-expected transition period may also lead to a reevaluation of plans to lift sanctions on the Syrian state and label Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist movement leading the rebel blitzkrieg to overthrow Assad, as terrorists.
HTS, which has been criticized for its human rights abuses, has already appointed Mohammed al-Bashir as Syria’s interim prime minister. Bashir leads the civil administration in Idlib, a northwest region that has been controlled by HTS for years. While the appointment is seen as a significant step towards a transitional government, it has also raised concerns about the inclusion of other opposition groups.
Sala has spoken about HTS’s leading role in the transitional government, stating that “the current form of appointments is a phased necessity” and that “a quota system for this period would undermine the transition.” His comments have been met with criticism from some opposition figures, who have called for a more inclusive government that represents a broader range of groups.
Hadi Bahra, head of the Syrian National Coalition, an umbrella group of Assad’s main opponents during Syria’s civil war, has called on all opposition parties to join the transitional government. He has also set an 18-month timetable for the political transition, including six months to draft a new constitution. However, it remains to be seen whether Salah’s plans will include all opposition groups, or if HTS will maintain its dominant position in the transitional government.
Another pressing issue is the disbandment of HTS and other armed factions. Salah has confirmed that HTS and other groups will be disbanded into new national authorities, although it is unclear whether many of Syria’s factions will accept this initiative. The disbandment of HTS is expected to be announced at a national dialogue meeting attended by key opposition figures, ethnic and religious leaders, and some Assad regime officials who do not hold military or security positions.
The meeting is also expected to announce the dissolution of the former parliament, the abolition of the former constitution, and the establishment of an advisory committee. However, one of the most important factions still outside Salah’s sphere of influence is the Kurdish-led, U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, which control much of the country’s northeast. Sala has said that the HTS-led government is in talks with the SDF over the region’s future status, but the outcome of these talks remains uncertain.
FAQ:
Q: How long will it take for Syria to hold its first elections since the collapse of former President Bashar Assad’s regime?
A: According to Ahmed Salah, it may take up to four years.
Q: How long will it take to draft a new constitution?
A: According to Salah, it could take up to three years.
Q: Who is Ahmed Salah, and what is his role in Syria’s political transition?
A: Ahmed Salah, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, is Syria’s de facto leader and the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist movement leading the rebel blitzkrieg to overthrow Assad.
Q: What is Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), and why is it significant in Syria’s political transition?
A: HTS is an Islamist movement that has been leading the rebel blitzkrieg to overthrow Assad. Its appointment of Mohammed al-Bashir as Syria’s interim prime minister is seen as a significant step towards a transitional government.
Conclusion:
Syria’s path to democracy is marked by uncertainty and complexity. The de facto leader, Ahmed Salah, has revealed a timetable for the country’s political transition that is longer than expected, which has raised concerns among Western powers. The role of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in the transitional government is also a source of controversy, with some critics calling for a more inclusive government that represents a broader range of groups. The disbandment of HTS and other armed factions is another pressing issue, and it remains to be seen whether many of Syria’s factions will accept Salah’s initiative. As the country navigates its transition, it is crucial that all parties work together to build a more inclusive and representative government that reflects the diverse needs and aspirations of the Syrian people.
