Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has signed a new constitutional declaration that will govern the country for the next five years—marking a major step following the fall of Bashar al-Assad just three months ago.
The document, intended to guide Syria through a transitional phase, promises judicial independence, freedom of expression, women’s rights, and the separation of powers. However, it also firmly establishes Islam as the president’s religion and declares Islamic jurisprudence as the primary source of legislation, a notable shift from the previous wording which stated it as merely “a” source.
“We hope this marks the beginning of a new history for Syria—one where justice replaces oppression,” Sharaa declared during the signing at the presidential palace in Damascus.
A Temporary Framework, Long-Term Implications
The transitional constitution comes after rebel leaders dismantled Assad’s former government, annulling the 2012 constitution, dissolving state institutions, and placing power in the hands of a newly formed leadership.
A new People’s Assembly will oversee legislation. While two-thirds of its members will be selected by a committee appointed by the president, the remaining third will be handpicked by Sharaa himself. He retains executive authority during the transition, with the only exception being his right to declare a national emergency.
A separate committee will be formed to draft Syria’s permanent constitution in the coming years.
“We are attempting to strike a balance between safeguarding national security and ensuring rights and freedoms,” said Abdul Hamid al-Awak, a constitutional expert involved in drafting the document.
Reactions from the Region and Beyond
The UN Special Envoy to Syria, Geir Pedersen, welcomed the move as a step toward restoring the rule of law and potentially closing Syria’s legal vacuum. But not everyone is on board.
The Kurdish-led administration in northeastern Syria rejected the declaration, saying it ignores the country’s diversity and fails to represent all groups fairly.
Bloodshed and Fear in Assad’s Aftermath
Despite promises of inclusivity, Sharaa’s administration is under pressure after deadly sectarian violence erupted in the western coastal regions, where Alawite civilians—the same minority group Assad belonged to—were targeted in retaliatory attacks following a deadly ambush on government forces.
A monitoring group reports that nearly 1,500 civilians have been killed in recent weeks. Sharaa has condemned the violence and pledged accountability, forming a peace committee to ease sectarian tensions.
Still, many minorities remain skeptical of Sharaa, who previously led al-Qaeda’s former Syrian affiliate, raising fears about his true intentions.
UN Warning: Syria’s Future Still Fragile
UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a stern warning:
“Nothing justifies the killing of civilians. Syria’s much-deserved brighter future hangs in the balance.”
He urged the interim government to act swiftly and inclusively, delivering on promises made to all Syrians.
As the country embarks on a complex and uncertain path to peace, observers note that while the transition document may provide legal structure, trust and reconciliation will be far harder to write into law.
