By Smartencylopedia with Agencies
Damascus – December 30, 2024
Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has indicated that holding elections in the war-torn country could take up to four years, citing the extensive process of drafting a new constitution and implementing reforms. In an interview with Al Arabiya on Sunday, al-Sharaa outlined a roadmap for Syria’s future governance following the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad earlier this month.
A Long Road to Elections
Al-Sharaa stated that drafting a new constitution could take as long as three years, with an additional year needed to implement changes that would pave the way for elections. “Drastic changes will begin to emerge within a year,” he said, offering hope for Syrians eager for stability after more than a decade of conflict.
The timeline highlights the challenges of rebuilding a nation fractured by civil war, political instability, and economic collapse. Al-Sharaa’s remarks come as Syria grapples with the monumental task of establishing a new political framework that accommodates its diverse population and addresses the grievances that fueled years of conflict.
US-Syria Relations and Sanctions
In the interview, al-Sharaa expressed optimism that the United States, under the Trump administration, might lift sanctions imposed on Syria. However, the Biden administration earlier this month announced it would no longer pursue a $10 million reward previously offered for al-Sharaa, whose group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), played a key role in Assad’s removal.
This announcement followed a historic meeting in Damascus between al-Sharaa and Barbara Leaf, the top US diplomat for the Middle East. Leaf led the first US diplomatic delegation into Syria since Assad’s ouster on December 8.
Despite these developments, HTS remains designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the United States. Leaf declined to comment on whether sanctions tied to this designation would be lifted.
Russia’s Role in Syria’s Future
Al-Sharaa also emphasized Syria’s strategic relationship with Russia, which maintains military bases in the country and provided key support to Assad during the civil war. “Our relationship with Russia should serve our common interests,” al-Sharaa said, noting the importance of cooperation between the two nations in Syria’s reconstruction efforts.
Russia’s involvement in Syria has long been a cornerstone of its Middle Eastern strategy, and its role in shaping the country’s post-Assad future is likely to remain significant.
The Path Ahead
Al-Sharaa’s remarks underscore the enormity of Syria’s challenges in transitioning to a new era. The prospect of a four-year election timeline reflects the complexities of building a functional democracy in a nation still reeling from the effects of war and international sanctions.
As the world watches, Syria’s journey toward stability will hinge on navigating its internal divisions, forging strategic alliances, and addressing the humanitarian needs of its population. For now, the promise of change remains a glimmer of hope for a country yearning for peace.