Early reaction -- Syria's Transitional Parliament Takes Shape

Improved representation, some intriguing appointments, and a potential area for friction ahead.

After a long wait, President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s list of 70 members of the People’s Assembly was released today (the full list is below this article) — which officially completes Syria’s first transitional parliament. The 3 seats associated with Suwayda remain open, until the stand-off there with Hikmat al-Hijri is resolved. As far as process goes, the newly established parliament will first meet in five days, on July 6. It has been given a 30-month (2.5 years) term, with a conditions-based potential extension.