New 'Transitional Government' Formed in Syria's Capital
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Synopsis
Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has announced a new transitional government in Damascus aimed at rebuilding the nation after civil unrest. The cabinet retains key figures and introduces new ministries to address emergencies and youth affairs.
Key Takeaways
- Formation of a transitional government in Syria.
- New ministers appointed from interim leadership.
- New ministries created for emergencies and youth.
- First female minister appointed in social affairs.
- Concerns raised over power concentration and minority rights.
Beirut, March 30 (NationPress) Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has declared the establishment of a "transitional government" in the capital city of Damascus.
This announcement, which was initially set for earlier this month, arrives amidst widespread international appeals for a comprehensive Syrian transition following recent sectarian violence. The new leadership aims to reunite and rebuild Syria and its institutions after the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad on December 8, marking the end of a 14-year civil conflict.
The freshly appointed Cabinet retains several prominent figures from the interim leadership, as reported by the Xinhua news agency. Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, who previously served as interim chief of foreign affairs, has been named Foreign Minister. Anas Khattab, the former Intelligence Chief, will take on the role of Interior Minister, while Marhaf Abu Qusra, responsible for defense in the interim administration, will serve as Defence Minister.
The new government has also introduced key structural changes, including the creation of a Ministry of Emergency and Disasters to tackle natural and humanitarian crises, along with a dedicated Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Longtime opposition figure Hind Kabawat, representing Syria's Christian minority and a staunch opponent of Assad, has been appointed as Social Affairs and Labour Minister, marking her as the first woman to hold this position under al-Sharaa.
Raed al-Saleh, leader of the White Helmets who operated in rebel territories, has been designated Minister of Emergency Situations and Disasters.
The Islamist-led authorities now governing Syria have pledged to safeguard minority rights, especially following recent clashes that resulted in civilian casualties.
In December, a caretaker government led by Mohammad al-Bashir was put in place to guide the country until the formation of this new Cabinet, previously expected to be announced on March 1.
In late January, al-Sharaa, leader of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which played a pivotal role in Assad's removal, was appointed as interim President.
The regime of former President Assad collapsed on December 8, 2024, after a 12-day offensive led by HTS and allied militant factions.
Since then, HTS commander al-Sharaa has been at the helm of interim authorities, seeking to forge a new political framework for the nation.
This month, Sharaa enacted a constitutional declaration to regulate the transitional phase, which is slated for five years.
However, some analysts and human rights organizations have raised concerns that the new framework centralizes power in Sharaa's hands and does not adequately protect minority rights.
