President al-Sharaa and no more Baath party: What else has Syria announced?

Wed Jan 29 22:01:52 UTC 2025: ## Syria’s Former Rebel Leader Ahmed al-Sharaa Named Transitional President

**DAMASCUS** – Ahmed al-Sharaa, former commander of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group and de facto leader of Syria since the December ouster of Bashar al-Assad, has been officially appointed as the country’s transitional president. The announcement was made Wednesday by Syrian state media, citing commander Hassan Abdel Ghani.

Al-Sharaa’s appointment marks a significant step in Syria’s post-Assad era. He will serve until elections are held, a process he previously estimated could take up to four years due to the need for a new constitution and population census. He has also been authorized to form a temporary legislative council.

The transition involves the complete dismantling of the Assad regime. The Syrian army and security forces, along with al-Sharaa’s HTS, have been dissolved. The country’s constitution and the ruling Baath Party, in power for over 60 years, have also been abolished. The former Baath party headquarters in Damascus is now being used as a registration center for former military personnel surrendering their weapons.

Al-Sharaa, who previously led the HTS – a group formerly affiliated with al-Qaeda but which has attempted to present a more moderate image – has been meeting with international leaders and diplomats in recent weeks. His government is pushing for the lifting of Western sanctions imposed since 2011, arguing that these restrictions are crippling Syria’s economy and hindering its recovery. France has indicated that some EU sanctions will be lifted as part of a broader effort to stabilize the country.

The transitional period’s length remains uncertain, with no set timeline for elections. However, Al Jazeera correspondent Osama Bin Javaid described the appointment as a “monumental day,” providing much-needed clarity for Syria’s future. Al-Sharaa’s government aims to integrate former opposition fighters into the new Syria, offering them representation and a role in rebuilding the nation.

Read More