Syria prepares for a new transitional government under the scrutiny of the international community

BeirutJust under three months after the fall of Bashar al-Assad, Syria is undergoing an unprecedented political transformation. With Ahmed al Sharaa as interim president With Mohammed al-Bashir at the head of the interim government, the nation is seeking to consolidate a stable political structure before the end of March. The regime of the Al Assad clan fell on December 8, and the rebels of the Levant Liberation Organization (Hayat Tahrir al Sham or HTS in Arabic), who led the offensive, had committed to forming a new transitional government on March 1. Now, a certain amount of time is given, but the commitment is to do so during this month. The international community is closely following this process, especially given Israel's growing influence in the south of the country and the possible inclusion of businessman Ayman Asfari in the new administration.

The new Syrian government has temporarily suspended the Constitution and Parliament to facilitate the necessary reforms. One of the main objectives is the drafting of a new fundamental law of the state that guarantees justice and equity for all citizens. That is why a National Dialogue Conference has been held in Damascus, where representatives from various sectors have discussed the future of the country. However, there are still questions about how minorities will be included and what role Hayat Tahrir al Sham will have in the political process.

The interim government has also taken drastic measures, such as dissolving the former regime's security forces and closing Prisons known for human rights violations. Work is now underway to form a new national army that would represent the entire Syrian population.

The power vacuum created after the fall of Al Assad has intensified Israeli intervention in the south of the country. In December, the Israeli Air Force carried out a series of attacks against Syrian military installations, on the grounds of preventing these weapons from falling into the hands of armed groups. In just 48 hours, Israel carried out more than 480 strikes to destroy key infrastructure, including airports and air defense systems.

Netanyahu maintains Israel's presence in southern Syria

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has declared that his country will maintain a presence in southern Syria with the aim of ensuring the "complete demilitarization" of the area. This position has generated tension with the Syrian interim government, which denounces the violation of its sovereignty and demands the immediate withdrawal of Israeli troops.

In this context, King Abdullah of Jordan recently met with interim President Al Sharaa to discuss joint measures on border security and the fight against arms and drug trafficking. During the meeting, the Jordanian monarch condemned the Israeli attacks and reaffirmed his commitment to the stability of the region.

A businessman as a possible leader of the new government

Amid the reshuffle of power in Syria, Ayman Asfari's name has emerged as a possible candidate to lead the new government. A Syrian-British businessman with a distinguished track record in the energy sector, Asfari has been a critic of the Assad regime since the start of the civil war in 2011. In response, the then Syrian government issued an arrest warrant for him on suspicion of financing terrorism.

Despite his exile, Asfari has remained active in Syrian politics through humanitarian and civil society organizations. He recently met with interim President Al Sharaa in Damascus, a meeting that has sparked speculation about his possible role in the new administration.

Syria's future also depends on the stance of the international community. The United Nations has noted that recognition of the new government and the lifting of sanctions will depend on the formation of an inclusive administration. The United States and the European Union, while showing some support for the transition, are demanding guarantees on the representation of all sectors of society.

Qatar, on the other hand, has expressed interest in providing financial support for the reconstruction of Syria, but is limited by sanctions imposed by Washington. These restrictions have delayed the arrival of funds necessary for the stabilization of the country.

Syria is moving towards a new stage in its history, but the challenges are enormous. From the consolidation of a legitimate administration to the struggle to regain sovereignty in the face of Israeli intervention, the nation faces a complex process that will define its future. The inclusion of figures such as Ayman Asfari in the government and the response of the international community will be determining factors in the success or failure of this transition. As the deadline approaches this March, the Syrian people hope that this restructuring will finally provide stability and a new beginning after years of conflict.