Syria swears in new transitional government months after Assad’s removal | World News
Syria’s new transitional government was sworn in on Saturday, nearly four months after the removal of the Assad family from power. The authorities in Damascus are now focused on restoring stability to the war-torn country, according to Associate Press (AP).The 23-member Cabinet, which includes a mix of religious and ethnic groups, is the first under Syria’s five-year transitional period. It replaces the interim government that was established soon after former President Bashar Assad was ousted in early December.
Unlike previous adminrations, this government has no prime miner. Instead, it operates under a secretary-general, as outlined in the temporary constitution signed interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa earlier this month.
Story continues below this ad
Announced just ahead of Eid al-Fitr, the government includes several new figures, though the foreign and defence miners have retained their positions from the interim adminration. Syria’s new Interior Miner, Anas Khattab, was previously the head of the intelligence department.
In a speech following the formation of the government, al-Sharaa stated, “The formation of a new government today is a declaration of our joint will to build a new state,” AP reported.
Defence Miner Murhaf Abu Qasra said his priority would be to build a professional army “from the people and for the people.”
However, the government does not include representatives from the US-backed Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) or the autonomous adminration in northeast Syria.Story continues below this ad
Despite this, al-Sharaa and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi recently signed a major agreement in Damascus for a nationwide ceasefire and the integration of SDF forces into the Syrian army.
Among the newly appointed miners is Hind Kabawat, a Chrian activ who opposed Assad from the start of the conflict in 2011. She was named Miner of Social Affairs and Labour. Raed Saleh, former head of the Syrian Civil Defence—commonly known as the White Helmets—was appointed Miner for Emergency Disasters.
Mohammed Terko, a Kurdish politician based in Damascus, was named Miner of Education. Mohammed al-Bashir, who led Syria’s interim government after Assad’s removal, was appointed Miner of Energy, with a focus on rebuilding the country’s damaged electricity and oil sectors.
The government’s primary goal is to end the war and bring peace to the country. Recent clashes in Syria’s coastal region, home to many from the minority Alawite sect, resulted in over 1,000 deaths, mostly Alawites. Assad himself was an Alawite, while most rebel groups now in power are Sunni.Story continues below this ad
including representatives from various religious and ethnic backgrounds, including an Alawite and one woman, al-Sharaa aims to show Western nations that the new leadership is committed to inclusivity in Syria’s political process.
The formation of a diverse government is also intended to persuade Western countries to lift economic sanctions, which were imposed on Assad’s regime over a decade ago. The UN estimates that 90% of Syrians live below the poverty line, and millions are facing reduced food aid due to the ongoing crisis.
Just hours before the government was announced, the US State Department warned American citizens about an increased risk of attacks during the Eid al-Fitr holiday.
According to the AP, the statement mentioned potential threats to embassies, international organisations, and Syrian public institutions in Damascus. The advisory also cautioned that possible methods of attack could include armed assaults, lone attackers, or explosive devices.
