### Syria Enacts Landmark Temporary Constitution Amidst Ongoing Tensions

#### On the heels of a recent rebellion, Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has instituted a constitutional declaration for a five-year transition, promising a new era yet contending with the country's complex diversity and security challenges.

Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has recently signed a landmark constitutional declaration that outlines a five-year transitional period for the war-torn nation. This significant political move comes just three months after Sharaa's Islamist group spearheaded the insurgent campaign that led to the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, marking a pivotal shift in the country’s governance structure.

The declaration reiterates that Islam remains the religion of the president, while stating Islamic jurisprudence serves as "the main source of legislation," replacing earlier language that categorized it as merely "a main source." Additionally, the document emphasizes the doctrine of separation of powers, judicial independence, and guarantees for women's rights, freedom of expression, and media freedom.

Sharaa expressed his aspirations for this new governance model, stating, "We hope it will be a new history for Syria, where we replace oppression with justice." The UN's special envoy, Geir Pedersen, recognized these developments as essential steps toward reinstating the rule of law and helping bridge a significant legal void in the aftermath of the previous regime's collapse.

However, not all factions within Syria are on board with this constitutional change. The Kurdish-led administration in northeastern Syria has rebuked the declaration, emphasizing that it fails to reflect Syria's complex constitutionally relevant diversity.

In January, military commanders from Sharaa's faction elected him as president, dismantling Assad's 2012 constitution alongside the previous government’s institutions. The recent formation of a constitutional drafting committee, just days prior, is designed to establish a legal framework governing the transitional phase. Abdul Hamid al-Awak, a member of this committee, indicated that the declaration aims to strike a balance between public safety and fundamental freedoms while ensuring rigorous separation between government branches.

While Sharaa's government aims for an inclusive administration until a new constitution is ratified and fair elections are conducted, the climate remains fraught with challenges. The civil war, which initially erupted due to Assad’s ruthless response to pro-democracy protests, has left the country in turmoil. Recent reports indicate that armed groups supporting Sharaa's government have been implicated in retaliatory acts of violence against the Alawite community, shedding light on the complexities of a nation grappling with sectarian strife and mistrust.

In response to rising violence, Sharaa vowed to address accountability for those responsible and introduced measures aimed at promoting civil harmony. Nonetheless, significant portions of the Alawite community, alongside various minority groups, remain vigilant and skeptical of Sharaa’s commitment, particularly due to his history linked with a former al-Qaeda faction in Syria.

UN Secretary General António Guterres has underscored the gravity of the ongoing situation, stating that the humanitarian crisis must not be overlooked and that the future of Syria relies on fostering truly inclusive governance. "The caretaker authorities have repeatedly committed to building a new Syria based on inclusive and credible foundations for all Syrians. Now is the time for action," he asserted, stressing the urgency for meaningful reforms in the face of escalating violence.