Ahmad al-Sharaa, Syria’s de facto leader and head of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), stated that it could take up to four years to hold elections in the country. He highlighted the need for extensive political dialogue, a new constitution, and a comprehensive population census as prerequisites for credible elections. Al-Sharaa expressed his commitment to dissolving HTS during an anticipated national dialogue summit, which aims to shape Syria’s political future.
Al-Sharaa made these remarks during an interview with a Saudi television network, emphasizing the complexity of rebuilding Syria after decades of authoritarian rule under the Assad regime. He explained that drafting a new constitution might take up to three years to ensure its longevity and effectiveness. Additionally, he noted that Syria’s heavily damaged infrastructure would require significant reconstruction efforts to facilitate a stable environment for elections.
Reflecting on the current opportunity for Syria, al-Sharaa stated that such moments for change are rare and must be seized with thoughtful planning. He will remain as the interim leader until March 1, when representatives from various factions are expected to convene for a national dialogue. This meeting will aim to establish a transitional government to unify the country. As part of this process, HTS, previously the dominant rebel group controlling key areas in northwest Syria, will be dissolved.
Al-Sharaa’s remarks come a month after HTS led a swift insurgency that resulted in the overthrow of long-time President Bashar al-Assad, effectively ending the civil war that began in 2011. During the conflict, HTS was a major player, holding significant territory and challenging Assad’s forces. The upcoming transitional dialogue seeks to reconcile Syria’s fractured political landscape and lay the foundation for lasting peace.
In other developments, an Israeli airstrike near Damascus reportedly killed 11 people, including civilians, according to observers. The strike targeted a weapons depot associated with the remnants of Assad’s forces in the Adra region. Israel, which has conducted numerous airstrikes in Syria since the civil war began, rarely acknowledges such operations but claims to target Iran-backed groups that supported Assad’s regime.
While al-Sharaa has been critical of Iran, a key ally of Assad, he expressed an intention to maintain strategic relations with Russia. Russian military support was pivotal in sustaining Assad’s rule for over a decade. Al-Sharaa also mentioned ongoing negotiations with the Kurdish led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in northeastern Syria. He hopes to integrate the SDF’s armed units into the national security framework. The SDF, backed by the United States, has played a significant role in combating Islamic State sleeper cells in the region.
Meanwhile, Turkish backed Syrian rebels have been clashing with the SDF, capturing the strategic city of Manbij. These rebels, supported by Ankara, aim to establish a buffer zone along Turkey’s southern border. Recent confrontations occurred near the town of Kobani, where the SDF claimed to have destroyed a radar system south of Manbij with a rocket attack.
Throughout the interview with Al -Arabia, al-Sharaa underscored the importance of rebuilding Syria through collective efforts and inclusivity. He expressed optimism that ongoing negotiations and planned reforms would pave the way for a united and stable nation. The challenges, however, remain significant, as the country navigates the aftermath of over a decade of war, political fragmentation, and extensive destruction.
