In Damascus, Syria’s newly formed transitional government officially took office on Saturday, a significant event occurring almost four months following the ouster of the Assad family from power. This new leadership marks an important step as Damascus seeks to restore stability in the nation, which has been ravaged by conflict.
This government, comprising 23 members with a blend of religious and ethnic backgrounds, is the first to take charge amid Syria’s five-year transitional phase. It replaces an interim government established shortly after Bashar Assad was pushed from power in December last year. Notably, the new Cabinet operates without a prime minister. According to the temporary constitution endorsed by interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, the structure instead includes a secretary-general.
On the eve of Eid el-Fitr, the government unveiled its composition ahead of the celebration marking Ramadan’s conclusion in Syria on Monday. While fresh faces are seen in many positions, the Foreign Affairs and Defense Ministers continue from their previous roles within the interim setup. Anas Khattab, the newly appointed Interior Minister, previously led the intelligence department.
President Al-Sharaa emphasized in his address that forming this government represents a commitment to constructing a renewed state. Meanwhile, Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra expressed aspirations to develop an army that truly serves the populace.
Significantly, the new coalition excludes individuals from the U.S.-backed, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, and the autonomous civil administration in northeastern Syria. Earlier this month, a groundbreaking agreement was reached between al-Sharaa and SDF leader Mazloum Abdi, involving a national ceasefire and integrating the U.S.-supported force into the national army.
Late announcements on Saturday revealed new ministerial appointments, including Hind Kabawat, a Christian activist critical of Assad since the conflict’s inception in March 2011. She now leads the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor. Raed Saleh, formerly head of the Syrian Civil Defense or White Helmets, has been appointed Minister for Emergency Disasters, and Mohammed Terko, a Kurd from Damascus, assumes the role of Education Minister.
Mohammed al-Bashir, previously interim leader post-Assad, is now tasked as Minister of Energy, focusing on rejuvenating Syria’s heavily damaged electricity and oil sectors.
The primary objective for the new government is to halt ongoing hostilities and re-establish peace, with turbulence recently causing a severe toll in the coastal regions largely populated by the Alawite sect. More than a thousand lives, predominantly Alawites, were lost in this unrest. Notably, Assad himself is an Alawite.
Though predominantly controlled by Sunni groups post-Assad, the inclusion of minorities and women in the government serves as a symbolic gesture to Western nations demanding broader representation in Syria’s political affairs. Announcing a diversified government is an attempt to persuade external powers to lift economic sanctions imposed over ten years prior. Presently, the United Nations reports 90% of Syrians live below the poverty line, with millions at risk from reduced food aid due to the ongoing conflict.
Just hours before the formation of this government was declared, the U.S. State Department warned its citizens about potential attacks during Eid el-Fitr. The advisory noted the danger of strikes targeting embassies, international organizations, and Syrian public institutions in Damascus, including possible use of individual assailants, armed gunmen, or explosives.