Syria's newly appointed transitional parliament convened for its inaugural session in Damascus on Sunday, marking a significant step in the nation's political transition more than 18 months after the overthrow of longtime authoritarian ruler Bashar al-Assad. President Ahmed al-Sharaa addressed the lawmakers, urging them to prioritize the "national interest above all" as they begin their work.

The formation of this parliament, known as the People's Assembly, is a crucial development aimed at establishing democratic foundations after decades of rule by the al-Assad family, a period that included a devastating 14-year civil war. The assembly's primary mandate will be to draft a new constitution for the country.

President al-Sharaa emphasized that improving the economy, strengthening public services, and attracting international investment are paramount goals for the new legislative body. He called on the members to foster a culture of dialogue, uphold the rule of law, and demonstrate respect for institutions during their tenure.

The parliament's establishment is seen as a key milestone in Syria's political transition. The international community, represented by figures like Claudio Cordone, the deputy United Nations special envoy for Syria, has indicated it will closely monitor the parliament's proceedings and is prepared to offer support.

The current 210-seat parliament comprises lawmakers appointed by regional electoral colleges last year and 70 members directly appointed by President al-Sharaa earlier this month. Officials stated that nationwide elections were deemed unfeasible due to the complex logistical challenges stemming from years of conflict, including the unreliability of population records.

Syria faces considerable challenges in its post-conflict recovery. The country's economic state remains dire, exacerbated by years of conflict and international isolation. Recent periods of political and sectarian tension have further complicated the situation following al-Assad's ouster.

President al-Sharaa, a 43-year-old leader, has pledged to guide Syria into a new era, aiming to rebuild both the nation and its citizens. The recent convening of parliament represents a tangible effort to move forward and establish a more stable and functional governance structure.

Unresolved questions remain regarding the long-term stability of the political process, the extent of international cooperation, and the practical implementation of democratic reforms. The coming months will be critical in determining the effectiveness of this new parliamentary body in addressing Syria's profound challenges.