Summary of Key Highlights:

• Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa signs a temporary constitution aimed at a five-year transition.
• The document emphasizes Islamic law as the main source of legislation and retains significant presidential powers.
• Women’s rights and freedom of expression are included, but critics point to issues of inclusivity and representation.
• The Kurdish-led administration has rejected the constitution, calling for a more inclusive framework.
• International observers express concern over the potential for ongoing instability.

Syria's new interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has signed a constitutional declaration that designates a five-year transitional period, marking the first significant legal framework since the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad. The president has expressed hopes that this constitution will initiate a "new history for Syria", replacing a legacy of oppression with justice, as reported by Al Jazeera.

The temporary constitution maintains Islamic law as the primary source of legislation, with al-Sharaa emphasizing the need for a government that respects women's rights and freedom of expression. However, despite these provisions, critics have raised concerns about its potential to exacerbate divisions within the country. Legal experts have pointed out that the framework is reminiscent of the previous regime's practices and that it lacks adequate representation for Syria's diverse ethnic groups. The Kurdish-led administration in northeastern Syria has already dismissed the constitution as exclusionary, highlighting the absence of specific references to Kurdish and other minority rights. They argue that it fails to reflect the country's rich multicultural identity, as detailed in an article by VOA News.

Al-Sharaa's declaration follows three months after his Islamist-led coalition overthrew Assad in December 2024. The constitutional declaration stipulates that the president must be a Muslim, while also instituting an absolute separation of powers—though many experts argue that the reality may differ significantly from this claim due to the president's substantial influence over the legislative process. Notably, the president will also have the power to declare a state of emergency, which poses further questions about checks on executive power, according to a report by The New York Times.

The transition has not been without its challenges; only weeks before the constitution's signing, significant violence erupted in Syria, further complicating the interim government's efforts. Over 1,400 civilian deaths were reported during these clashes, primarily involving members of Assad's Alawite sect, a situation condemned by international leaders, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres, as noted by BBC.

As Syria embarks on this new chapter, the concerns raised about the constitution’s effectiveness and inclusivity highlight the delicate balance between establishing governance and ensuring representation for all of its citizens amidst a backdrop of ongoing conflict and unrest.

For further information, visit the original articles from Le Monde and VOA News.