RAMA HALAF

Damascus- Following the fall of the Assad regime on December 8, 2024, a new transitional government led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) was formed in Syria. At a conference called “Victory Conference” was held in Damascus on January 29, former al Qaeda member Abu Mohammad al-Jolani was named as Syria’s president for a transitional period.

The appointment of Abu Mohammad al-Jolani as Syria’s president has sparked anger in Syria, especially among women. The recent political developments have been discussed by ethnic and religious identities in Syria. NuJINHA spoke to several Syrian women in Damascus, expressing their concern about the recent developments in the country.

 Even if Syria has been going through a transitional period, an election should have been held to elect Syria’s president, said Nisreen Ali. “The Syrian people should decide who will rule them. We do not know if Jolani will represent the Syrian people or meet their demands. Therefore, we do not know how long the transitional period will last.”

‘His appointment is an antidemocratic practice’

Basma Sukkar thinks that the appointment of Abu Mohammad al-Jolani as Syria’s president for the transitional period is an antidemocratic practice. “Since the public opinion was not taken into account, some oppose this decision. There are some discussions about the future of Syria under Jolani’s leadership. Some opponents fear that Syria could have a similar regime in Afghanistan, where women’s rights are not respected. Syria has a mosaic of cultures and ethnic groups. The pluralistic structure of Syrian society will not allow such a regime.”

Basma Sukkar emphasized that Syria would not be like Afghanistan. “The most important factors that fail this scenario are the mosaic of cultures and ethnic and religious groups and the strong women’s role in society. Despite the challenges, Syrian women still play an important role in all facets of life, including politics, economy and social life. They will never allow their rights to be stolen from them.”