Marking a major milestone in its post-Assad transition, Syria’s newly formed parliament convened for a historic first session in Damascus today. Following a collective constitutional oath by the lawmakers, former judge Abdulhamid al-Awak was elected as the new Speaker of the Parliament. Addressing the assembly, President Ahmed al-Shara urged leaders to prioritize national interests to overcome the “wreckage left by years of oppression, war, and destruction.” Pledging to erase the legacy of the former regime, Speaker al-Awak told the assembly, “I invite all our members of parliament to unite their forces to strengthen the prestige of the legislative institution.” The newly formed government now faces soaring public expectations as it prepares to tackle massive economic reconstruction and the restoration of essential services.