Make or Break - Syria's Transition Approaches Pivotal Test

As disinformation spreads, a National Conference aims to quell concerns

Three weeks on from Assad’s fall, the euphoria that swept Syria remains but questions and concerns are now also coming to the fore. In an interview broadcast by al-Arabiya earlier today, HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (Abu Mohammed al-Jolani) suggested that it could take three years to design a new Syrian constitution and four years to hold elections. While the sheer amount of work required to pull off such structural feats is not to be underestimated, these proposed timelines triggered worry among many. Four years is a long time — arguably far too long. Yet at the same time, given the enormous displacement challenge and the debilitating effects of nearly 14 years of civil conflict, it will take significant time for the necessary conditions and infrastructure to be in place for free and fair nationwide voting.