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Shukri al-Quwatli first became president of Syria in 1943. He was a prominent figure in the Syrian nationalist movement and played a key role in the country's independence from France. Quwatli served as president for two terms, from 1943 to 1949 and again from 1955 to 1958. During his presidency, he implemented a number of reforms, including the establishment of a new constitution and the introduction of universal suffrage.