Syria’s new transitional government was sworn in on December 8, 2024, following the removal of the Assad family. Led by interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, the diverse 23-member Cabinet aims to stabilize the war-torn nation. Notably absent are representatives from the US-backed SDF, despite recent integration talks. The government seeks to present an inclusive front and address severe economic challenges faced by the Syrian populace.
On December 8, 2024, a newly appointed transitional government in Syria officially took office, following the ousting of the Assad family. The 23-member Cabinet is notable for its religious and ethnic diversity, marking the first government in the nation’s five-year transitional phase. It replaces the interim government formed during the earlier phase of transition after Bashar Assad’s removal.
Led by interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, the new administration will operate under a secretary general instead of a prime minister, aligning with a temporary constitution enacted earlier this month. Most of the Cabinet members are new, while the ministers of foreign affairs and defence continue in their respective roles. Interior Minister Anas Khattab, a former intelligence head, has also assumed a ministerial position.
During his inaugural remarks, al-Sharaa stated, “The formation of a new government today is a declaration of our joint will to build a new state.” Meanwhile, Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra emphasized his commitment to establishing a professional army that serves the populace.
It is noteworthy that the transitional government does not include members from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which is supported by the United States and operates in northeast Syria. Nonetheless, a ceasefire agreement and an integration plan for the SDF into the national army have recently been signed by al-Sharaa and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi.
Among the prominent new ministerial appointments is Hind Kabawat, a Christian activist opposed to Assad, who is now the minister of social affairs and labour. Raed Saleh, once the head of the White Helmets, has been named the minister for emergency disasters, and Mohammed Terko has been appointed as the minister of education.
Furthermore, Mohammed al-Bashir, former leader of the interim government, will manage the energy sector, focusing on revitalizing Syria’s war-damaged electricity and oil industries. The transitional government’s central goal is to stabilize the nation and bring an end to ongoing conflicts, especially in the Alawite region where recent violence severely affected the population.
This initiative aims to highlight inclusivity in Syria’s political framework, featuring minority representation and women in the government, thereby appealing to Western nations to reconsider economic sanctions. The United Nations reports that a staggering 90% of Syrians live below the poverty threshold, with food assistance dramatically reduced.
Prior to the government’s announcement, the US State Department issued a security alert regarding potential attacks during the Eid el-Fitr holiday, specifically warning that embassies and public institutions in Damascus may be at risk.
The inauguration of Syria’s new transitional government underscores a significant shift in the nation’s governance following the end of the Assad era. The diverse Cabinet aims to stabilize the region and signal a commitment to inclusivity, particularly in the wake of recent violence. As the government seeks to engage the international community and alleviate economic sanctions, it faces the challenge of restoring trust while ensuring the safety of its citizens amid ongoing security concerns.
Original Source: english.mathrubhumi.com
