Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced on Sunday the formation of a committee to draft a new constitutional framework. This decision comes after the removal of long-time ruler Bashar Assad.
Since Assad was overthrown on December 8, Syria has been undergoing major political changes. His removal ended 13 years of war and over 50 years of his family’s control. Now, the new government is focusing on rebuilding the country and its institutions. To move forward, Sharaa has appointed a team of experts, including two women, to draft “the constitutional declaration that regulates the transitional phase.”
Although the seven-member committee will submit its proposals directly to the president, officials have not yet set a deadline for completion.
Sharaa’s Leadership and Transition Plans
Meanwhile, Sharaa continues to play a key role in Syria’s transition. As the leader of Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), he took over as interim president in late January after leading efforts to remove Assad. Consequently, the new leadership quickly repealed the Assad-era constitution.
Previously, Sharaa stated that drafting a new constitution could take up to three years. In January, he also promised a “constitutional declaration” to serve as a legal guide during the transition. Now, Sunday’s announcement aligns with “the Syrian people’s aspirations in building their state based on the rule of law,” according to the presidency.
Furthermore, officials emphasized that this initiative will “prepare the legal framework regulating the transitional phase.” A recent national dialogue conference in Damascus outlined the country’s next steps.
Experts on the Constitutional Committee
For this crucial task, the government has selected a diverse group of legal and governance experts:
- Abdul Hamid al-Awak, a constitutional law scholar and university lecturer in Turkey.
- Yasser al-Huwaish, the newly appointed dean of Damascus University’s law faculty.
- Bahia Mardini, a journalist with a doctorate in law, currently living in Britain. She is one of two women on the panel.
- Ismail al-Khalfan, an international law specialist and the law faculty dean at Aleppo University.
- Mohammed Reda Jalkhi, an expert in international law, who graduated from Idlib University in 2023.
At the conclusion of the dialogue conference, officials stressed the importance of drafting a permanent constitution. They stated that the new document must balance power, uphold justice, freedom, and equality, and ensure governance based on law and institutions.
Syria’s Conflict and Next Steps
Looking back, Syria’s war erupted in 2011 after Assad’s forces violently suppressed protests. Over time, the conflict escalated into a devastating war, killing more than 500,000 people and displacing millions. Additionally, the prolonged fighting severely damaged Syria’s economy, infrastructure, and industries.
Now, the country is preparing for its next political phase. In December, authorities appointed a caretaker government to lead until March 1, when a new administration is expected to take over. Although the road ahead remains uncertain, Syria’s leadership is pushing forward with constitutional reforms to shape the nation’s future.
