The possible 4 candidates to lead Syria after the fall of Assad regime

Sources in Damascus reported, that there are four names nominated to lead the transitional phase in Syria after the fall of the Syrian regime.

All eyes are now on who might take on this important role.

The commander of military operations and head of Hay’at Tahrir al Sham, Ahmed al Sharaa (known as al Julani), is expected to choose one of the former heads of the Syrian opposition coalition, such as Ahmed Moaz al Khatib or Hadi al Bahra, or those who led negotiations with the regime, most notably Riad Hijab.

It was also noted that Asaad Mustafa is among the names nominated to play a leadership role during the next phase.

According to the sources, the nomination of Burhan Ghalioun, the philosopher, opposition figure and first president of the Syrian coalition, was ruled out due to his criticism of Islamists and his distancing from the opposition political scene for years.

The sources explained that al Jolani isn’t currently considered a candidate to lead the transitional phase, first because he is listed as a “terrorist” as the head of Hay’at Tahrir al Sham, and second because the transitional phase is often fraught with political challenges that could erode his popularity, as the sources described.

However, it’s likely that he will appear more clearly in the political arena at a later stage, once the drafting of the new constitution and preparations for elections begin, especially if the United States lifts the “terrorist” designation on him and the organization.

In this context, four main names emerge as the closest candidates to take over the leadership of the transitional phase, namely Ahmed Moaz al Khatib, Hadi al Bahra, Riad Hijab, and Asaad Mustafa.

Ahmed Moaz al Khatib:

Born in Damascus in 1960, he is considered a prominent figure in the Syrian revolutionary movement.

He is known for his anti-regime sermons from the pulpit of the Umayyad Mosque, which led to his arrest several times.

He assumed the presidency of the “National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces” in 2012, and became one of the symbols of the political opposition in Syria.

Hadi al Bahra:

Born in 1970, he served as the head of the Syrian National Coalition, and was a diplomatic face for the opposition, leading the opposition delegation in the Geneva 2 negotiations.

He played a major role in supporting the relief and media work of the revolution, and is known for his diplomatic experience and ability to formulate a future vision for Syria.

Riad Hijab:

Born in Deir ez-Zor Governorate in 1966, he began his political career as a member of the Arab Socialist Baath Party.

He held many important positions, such as governor of Latakia and Quneitra, and then was appointed Minister of Agriculture.

He served as Prime Minister in 2012 before defecting from the regime just two months later.

He later joined the opposition and assumed the position of General Coordinator of the High Negotiations Committee, where he represented the opposition in international forums.

Asaad Mustafa:

Born in 1960, he was previously Minister of Agriculture and Governor under Hafez al Assad.

He defected from the regime in 2011, joining the Syrian National Council.

He played an important role in coordinating opposition efforts and was an influential figure in organizing revolutionary action in Syria.