A hmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s president, spoke to The Economist on January 31st in Damascus. The conversation has been translated and lightly edited for clarity. You can read our analysis of the interview here.

As president, al-Sharaa has also been authorised to form a temporary legislative council for the transitional phase which will carry out its task until a new constitution is adopt

Sharaa, the leader of the main rebel group who led the overthrow of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, has been named Syria's transitional president, the country's military command announced on Jan. 29.

He had spent the day with the leaders of Syria’s myriad armed factions, trying to persuade them to disband. Over seven weeks after the fall of Damascus, the fate of these groups is still uncertain. His aides claim that all militias will be dissolved and then absorbed into a new national army.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has welcomed Ahmed Al-Sharaa on assumption of office as President of the Syrian Arab Republic during the transitional phase. In a post on social media platform X, he expressed hope that the new leadership will be able to bring peace, progress and prosperity to the brotherly people of Syria.

Sharaa, leader of Syria’s rebel forces, has been appointed interim president following the overthrow of Bashar Assad, as the country prepares for a new constitution.

Syria's new interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa on Tuesday met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara, where they discussed improved security ties and how to respond to Kurdish fighters in northeastern Syria.

Syria's Interim President Ahmed Al Sharaa visits Turkey for high-level talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The meeting is seen as a significant diplomatic move amid ongoing regional tensions and efforts for cooperation between the two countries.