Former Rebel Leader Ahmed al-Sharaa Named Syria’s Transitional President

Al-Sharaa assumes leadership after Assad's ouster, with plans for a new constitution and eventual elections in war-torn Syria.

Ahmed al-Sharaa, former leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has been appointed Syria’s transitional president following Bashar al-Assad's overthrow in December 2024.
The transitional government has dissolved Syria’s 2012 constitution, parliament, and military factions, with plans to form a new legislative council and unified national army.
Al-Sharaa has outlined a potential four-year timeline for elections, citing the need for a new constitution and comprehensive population census.
The interim administration faces challenges in uniting disparate rebel factions and negotiating with Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, who were absent from recent discussions.
International scrutiny continues as Syria’s new leadership seeks to stabilize the country, rebuild state institutions, and secure the lifting of foreign sanctions.