A country’s step toward stability after a long authoritarian regime is a major challenge. It can either become a model for other nations facing post-conflict reconstruction or end up as another failed attempt at stability.
Syria took a bold step by breaking old authoritarian rule, forming a new parliament, and introducing currency reforms. This represents an extraordinary opportunity for national rebirth and also poses a test for a country with fragile institutional capacity.
Syria established a genuine legislative body for the first time in five decades. On July 12, 2026, Parliament conducted its first meeting in Damascus following the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. The Assembly consists of 210 members. Parliament prepared a 30-month transition plan during which the country will draft a new constitution and approve a national budget.
In addition, UN Secretary-General António Guterres made a historic visit to Damascus. He praised Syria and referred to it as a pillar of stability in the Middle East. He also called for comprehensive international support for reconstruction efforts.
To understand today’s event, one must look back at history. The Assad family ruled Syria for over 50 years. During this period, basic rights to vote and oppose were totally diminished. Parliament was only there to legitimize presidential decrees.
In 2011, a civil war erupted in Syria, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people and displacing millions. The country’s economy was completely destroyed during this time. The Syrian currency lost 95% of its value, and inflation surged, making it extremely challenging for people to afford basic necessities of life.
In December 2024, a major collapse occurred when an army led by Hayat Tahrir Al Sham reached Damascus and ended Assad’s rule. Ahmad al-Sharaa became the interim leader and promised a stable political order, breaking away from the past that oppressed them.
The new parliament is a hybrid body consisting of 210 members. Two-thirds of its members are selected by electoral bodies through elections, while one-third of its members are appointed directly by the interim leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa.
Arthur Quesnay, a researcher at Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne University, noted that while the assembly aims to build a new political base, many members lack organizational backing and parliamentary experience, making institutional effectiveness its immediate hurdle.
However, a Syrian political analyst, Ahmad al-Ashqar, put it: “The real challenge is not the composition of the parliament. It is whether its members can function as one institution. The assembly’s long-term credibility will be measured by its ability to debate legislation meaningfully, restore public trust, and advance economic recovery.
Syria is not only focused on political restoration but is also implementing currency reforms. Since January 2026, the central bank has been working on replacing about 80% of the Syrian currency with redesigned banknotes. Two zeros have been removed, meaning that 100 old pounds are now equal to 1 new pound. Additionally, the portrait of the Assad family has been removed from the currency. The new banknotes now feature wheat, olives, and oranges, which reflect Syrian identity rather than that of the previous regime.
The recent visit of the UN Secretary-General to Syria, the first since 2009, signifies the country’s return to the international community. According to Syria’s interim leader, this visit validates Syria’s reintegration into the UN. Al-Shaibani described it as reflecting “a new phase in Syria’s relations with the UN.” He also mentioned that the focus will now shift from humanitarian relief to reconstruction and sustainable development. Additionally, he noted that approximately 3.5 million people have returned to Syria.
Syria’s journey can be illuminated by looking at examples of other countries. South Africa (1994) succeeded through reconciliation and strong leadership, becoming a global model for peaceful transition. Iraq (2003) failed due to sectarian divisions and weak institutions, leading to prolonged instability. Libya (2011) collapsed into factional warfare after Gaddafi’s fall, becoming a cautionary tale of failed state-building.
Syria’s future depends on strong institutions, inclusive governance, and international support. The world is watching whether Syria becomes a model or a warning is yet to be decided.