Syria has inaugurated a new transitional government comprising a 23-member Cabinet, reflecting ethnic and religious diversity. This government aims to restore stability and peace following the ousting of Assad. The administration, lacking a prime minister, is structured around a secretary general, and notable appointments include individuals from various backgrounds. Challenges remain, particularly in lifting economic sanctions and addressing the humanitarian crisis.
Syria has officially sworn in its new transitional government, nearly four months following the removal of the Assad family from power. The 23-member Cabinet, representing a blend of ethnic and religious backgrounds, is the inaugural government of Syria’s five-year transitional period, succeeding the interim administration established after Bashar Assad’s ousting in early December. Notably, the new structure will operate without a prime minister, as a secretary general will oversee the cabinet per the temporary constitution endorsed by interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa.
The newly formed government was announced just before Eid el-Fitr, celebrating the conclusion of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. It sees fresh appointments, excluding the incumbents in foreign affairs and defense who retained their roles from the interim government. Anas Khattab, Syria’s new Interior Minister, previously led the intelligence department, showcasing continuity amid change. “The formation of a new government today is a declaration of our joint will to build a new state,” stated al-Sharaa in his address during the government’s announcement.
Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra emphasized his commitment to establishing a professional army that serves the populace. However, the government notably does not include members from the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces or the autonomous civil administration in northeast Syria. This follows a significant ceasefire agreement initiated between al-Sharaa and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi earlier.
Among the appointed ministers is Hind Kabawat, a Christian activist who opposed Assad since the onset of the conflict who will serve as minister of social affairs and labor. Raed Saleh, previously leading the White Helmets, has been appointed as minister for emergency disasters, while Mohammed Terko, a Kurd from Damascus, takes the role of education minister. The former head of Syria’s interim government, Mohammed al-Bashir, is now the minister of energy, tasked with revitalizing the nation’s electricity and oil sectors that have suffered extensive damage during the prolonged conflict.
The principal objective of this new administration is to terminate ongoing hostilities and establish stability in a nation that has recently experienced violence and reprisal killings in Alawite-majority coastal regions, resulting in over 1,000 deaths predominantly among the Alawite community. The cabinet’s diverse composition, featuring minority representation, seeks to encourage Western nations to reconsider the economic sanctions imposed on Assad, highlighting the dire situation where 90% of Syrians live below the poverty line, further exacerbated by food aid cuts due to the war.
Prior to the government announcement, the U.S. State Department issued a warning to American citizens regarding potential attacks during the upcoming Eid el-Fitr holiday, suggesting that embassies, international organizations, and public institutions in Damascus may be targets. Notably, the advisory mentioned possible methods of attack could include armed gunmen and explosive devices.
The recent establishment of Syria’s transitional government marks a significant shift in governance following the removal of the Assad regime. With a diverse cabinet aiming to foster stability amidst ongoing conflicts, the government’s future challenges will involve overcoming economic sanctions and ensuring representation of minority groups. By addressing the needs of the war-torn populace and promoting a vision for peace, this government represents both a declaration of intent and a potential pathway to recovery for Syria.
Original Source: www.local10.com
