Ahmed al-Sharaa Takes Charge as Syria’s Transitional President Amid Power Shift

Ahmed al-Sharaa has been declared Syria’s transitional president, cementing his authority less than two months after leading the offensive that ousted Bashar al-Assad. The announcement, made by the military command responsible for Assad’s removal, also suspended Syria’s constitution and granted Sharaa the power to form a temporary legislative council.

Sharaa, who heads the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), emphasized the need to stabilize Syria by preventing revenge attacks, restructuring security forces, and rebuilding the economy. He pledged a political transition with a national conference, an inclusive government, and eventual elections, which could take up to four years.

The declaration did not specify a timeline for forming the legislative body but confirmed the dissolution of Assad’s parliament, the Baath Party, and state security agencies. Rebel groups opposing Assad will be integrated into the new government. The announcement was made at a closed-door event labeled "The Conference for Announcing the Victory of the Syrian Revolution," attended by HTS-appointed ministers.

Qatar welcomed the move, stating it supports Syria’s restructuring to enhance national unity. However, analysts argue that Sharaa’s rise consolidates HTS’s Islamist rule and does not reflect Syria’s diverse political, religious, and ethnic makeup. The London School of Economics' Fawaz Gerges called it a formalization of Sharaa’s “strongman” status, while Mohanad Hage Ali of the Carnegie Middle East Center noted it signifies military control over key Syrian regions, including Damascus.

Shortly after the announcement, celebratory gunfire erupted in central Damascus, underscoring the deep divisions in post-Assad Syria. With no clear roadmap for democratic transition, Sharaa’s rule signals a new phase in Syria’s long-standing conflict.