Syria's Leader Signs Constitutional Declaration for 5-Year Transition Period

The articles describe the signing of a temporary constitution by Syria's interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa, which retains some aspects of the old constitution, including the stipulation that the head of state must be a Muslim. The constitution marks the beginning of a 5-year transitional phase under Islamist rule, with the goal of establishing a new government. The declaration comes after the Islamist group overthrew President Bashar Assad in December, and is intended to pave the way for a new era in Syria.