New Government Formed in Syria Under Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa

Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has formed a new transitional government featuring close allies and one woman, focusing on a unified transition after the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad. The government aims to navigate the country post-civil war while facing concerns over power concentration and minority rights.

Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has announced a new transitional government predominantly composed of his close allies. This government aims to guide the nation until the establishment of a permanent cabinet. The announcement follows growing international demands for a unified Syrian transition after recent sectarian violence, which has intensified since the ousting of Bashar al-Assad on December 8, thereby concluding a prolonged 14-year civil war.

The interim government includes Foreign Minister Assaad al-Shaibani and Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra, who both retain their influential positions. Additionally, Anas Khattab, previously the head of general intelligence, is appointed as the interior minister. Significantly, veteran opposition figure Hind Kabawat has been designated as the social affairs and labour minister, marking her as the first woman to hold a ministerial role under Sharaa’s leadership.

Raed al-Saleh, the prominent leader of the White Helmets, has been appointed as the minister of emergency situations and disasters. Meanwhile, the new Islamist-led authorities assert their commitment to safeguarding minority rights amidst fears that violence between Assad supporters and rebel militias may lead to further civilian casualties.

Previously, a caretaker government led by Mohammad al-Bashir was designated to manage affairs until a new cabinet could be formed, with the announcement set to take place in early March. Sharaa, representing the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), was appointed as interim president in January following the removal of Assad. Recently, he enacted a constitutional declaration to regulate the transitional phase, planned for a duration of five years, which has been met with criticism from experts and human rights organizations regarding the concentration of power within his administration and insufficient protections for minority groups.

In summary, the newly appointed transitional government in Syria, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa and dominated by his allies, aims to navigate the country towards recovery following years of civil conflict. The inclusion of the first female minister signifies a potential shift in governance, though serious concerns remain regarding the consolidation of power and minority protections. The international community continues to watch the developments closely as Syria embarks on this new phase.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com