Syria's Transitional Government Maintains Control, Establishes Parliament

Syria's transitional government has maintained control over most of the country's territory, with the exception of the Druze-controlled Sweida governorate and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. The government has also established a 210-seat People's Assembly, with 70 members directly appointed by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and 140 selected through indirect elections. The Parliament has formal powers to propose and adopt legislation, but its ability to oversee executive power is limited. The government has also appointed the Supreme Constitutional Court, composed of seven judges, including two women. In a significant development, the US has removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, ending decades-old economic restrictions. The integration of areas formerly controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces into state structures was declared complete in August, alongside the announced dissolution of the SDF. The transitional government's control over these areas marks a significant shift in the country's territorial control.