Syria has inaugurated a new transitional government, composed of a diverse 23-member Cabinet, aiming to restore stability and peace following the recent ouster of the Assad family. The Cabinet operates without a prime minister, instead appointing a secretary general. Key ministers have been chosen, including those with significant resistance backgrounds, as the nation navigates the aftermath of conflict. The new government seeks to address pressing challenges, such as poverty and violence, while appealing to Western nations for support.
Syria has recently sworn in a new transitional government, nearly four months after the removal of the Assad family from power. The newly formed 23-member Cabinet is religiously and ethnically diverse, marking the first government installment during the five-year transitional period, succeeding the interim government established following Bashar Assad’s ouster in December.
The Cabinet is uniquely structured, lacking a prime minister, as delineated in a temporary constitution established by interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa. Instead, the government will operate with a secretary general. Announced just before Eid el-Fitr, the Cabinet comprises primarily new faces alongside the incumbent ministers of foreign affairs and defense who retained their positions from the interim structure.
Among notable appointments, Anas Khattab, formerly the head of Syria’s intelligence department, is now the Interior Minister. In a speech upon the government formation, President al-Sharaa remarked, “The formation of a new government today is a declaration of our joint will to build a new state.”
Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra emphasized his objective to establish a professional army serving the populace. Significantly, the Cabinet does not include members from the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces or the autonomous civil administration in the northeast, despite an agreement between al-Sharaa and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi for a nationwide ceasefire.
New ministers include Hind Kabawat, a Christian activist named as Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, and Raed Saleh, head of the Syrian Civil Defense known as the White Helmets, appointed as Minister for Emergency Disasters. Mohammed al-Bashir, who led the interim government, will oversee energy restoration efforts.
The primary aim of the new government is to seek an end to the conflict and reestablish stability following significant violence recently witnessed in the coastal Alawite regions. Approximately 1,000 individuals lost their lives during these clashes. The Cabinet’s composition reflects an outreach effort to garner Western support and lift long-standing economic sanctions as nearly 90% of Syrians live below the poverty line.
Prior to the government’s announcement, the U.S. State Department issued a warning regarding potential attacks during the Eid el-Fitr celebrations, signalling heightened risks for embassies and public institutions in Damascus. The alert indicated possible attack methods may range from individual assaults to the deployment of explosives.
In conclusion, Syria’s recent swearing-in of a new transitional government symbolizes a pivotal step towards restoring stability in a war-torn nation. This government aims to represent a diverse segment of society, including minority groups, in response to Western calls for inclusive governance. However, challenges remain, as the country continues to grapple with violence, poverty, and the complexities of reconciliation. Observers will await the government’s effectiveness in achieving peace and rebuilding the nation amid ongoing international scrutiny.
Original Source: www.local10.com
