Syria's Path to Democracy: Formation of Constitutional Committee

In a significant step towards democratic governance, Syria's interim president Ahmed Al Shar has announced the establishment of a seven-member committee tasked with drafting a constitutional declaration. This new legal framework comes in the wake of the repeal of the Assad-era constitution, signaling a crucial shift in the country's political landscape.

The committee comprises notable legal experts, including Abdul Hamid Al Awak, a constitutional law scholar, and Yaser Alu, recently appointed as the dean of Damascus University's law faculty. Isma Alfan, another member with a doctorate in law and expertise in international law, serves as the dean at Aleppo University. The committee also includes Bah Mar Inii, a journalist and legal expert residing in Britain, alongside Muhammad Reda Ji, who specializes in international law from Ibd University.

This initiative follows Ahmed Al Shar's leadership of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which played a pivotal role in the ousting of Bashar al-Assad and ending over 50 years of the Assad family's rule. Since his appointment as interim president in January, Al Shar has promised a constitutional declaration to guide Syria's transition to democracy.

While the committee's proposal will be submitted to the president, no specific timeline has been established for the completion of this vital document. As Syria navigates this complex journey towards democratic governance, the establishment of this committee marks a critical milestone in reshaping the country's future.