Thu Mar 13 16:22:02 UTC 2025: ## Syria’s Interim President Signs New Constitution Amidst Israeli Air Strike on Damascus

DAMASCUS, Syria – Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa signed a temporary constitution on Thursday, marking what he called the beginning of “a new history” for the country. The constitution, effective for a five-year transitional period, aims to replace “oppression with justice,” according to al-Sharaa. It maintains some aspects of the previous constitution, including stipulations on the head of state being Muslim and the role of Islamic law, although this point was reportedly contentious during the drafting process.

The new document includes provisions for freedom of expression, press freedom, and women’s rights, while prioritizing transitional justice to prosecute crimes committed under the previous Assad regime. Executive power remains vested in the president, with a people’s assembly—partially appointed by the president—handling legislation until elections are held, potentially within four to five years. A committee will be formed to draft a permanent constitution, though concerns remain regarding its inclusivity.

The signing ceremony coincided with an Israeli airstrike in Damascus. The Israeli military claimed to have targeted a Palestinian Islamic Jihad “terrorist command center,” while the group denied the target was a command center and Syrian sources identified the target as a Palestinian individual. The strike resulted in reported casualties, though the exact number remains unclear. Al Jazeera’s Resul Serdar reported hearing two large explosions during the signing. The incident is seen by analysts as a show of force by Israel, potentially complicating the new government’s efforts to stabilize the country.

The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) criticized the constitution, arguing it fails to reflect Syria’s diversity. This criticism comes after a recent crackdown on Assad loyalists, resulting in civilian casualties, according to human rights groups. The interim government’s authority remains tenuous across the country, three months after its offensive toppled the Assad regime.

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