Syria officially inaugurated a new transitional government almost four months after the fall of the Assad regime. The Cabinet, which includes a diverse group of members, aims to restore stability and address the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Key figures include Anas Khattab as Interior Minister and Raed Saleh as the Minister for Emergency Disasters, with the government signaling inclusivity to counteract Western sanctions.
Syria has officially appointed a new transitional government, which was sworn in nearly four months after the Assad family was ousted from power. The new 23-member Cabinet is religiously and ethnically diverse, marking the beginning of a five-year transitional period and replacing the interim government established post-Assad’s removal in December.
Unlike previous governments, this Cabinet lacks a prime minister and instead operates under a secretary general as dictated by the temporary constitution enacted by interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa. The government was announced prior to Eid el-Fitr, with most ministerial positions filled by new members, barring the ministers of foreign affairs and defense who retained their roles.
Significant appointments include Anas Khattab, the new Interior Minister, previously held the position of head of intelligence. In a speech, al-Sharaa emphasized that this government formation signifies a collective commitment to establish a new state. Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra conveyed plans to build a professional army that represents the populace.
The Cabinet does not contain any representatives from the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) or the autonomous northeastern civil administration, reflecting a strategic choice as al-Sharaa recently signed a ceasefire agreement with SDF commander Mazloum Abdi. Among new ministers are Hind Kabawat and Raed Saleh, both notable figures in the opposition against Assad since the conflict’s onset in 2011.
The government’s foremost objective is to end the civil war and create stability within Syria, which has faced recent violence and fatalities mainly among the Alawite minority, a demographic affiliated with Assad. The composition of the Cabinet sends a clear message promoting inclusion for women and minorities in Syrian politics, aiming to appease Western nations that have imposed sanctions on Assad. The country currently struggles with 90% of its population living below the poverty line amid diminishing food aid; these efforts are geared towards alleviating sanctions.
Prior to the government unveiling, the U.S. State Department issued a warning about the heightened risk of attacks during the Eid el-Fitr celebrations, emphasizing potential targets such as embassies and public institutions in Damascus, noting methods could include individual perpetrators or armed assaults.
The swearing-in of Syria’s new transitional government symbolizes a strategic shift towards stability following Assad’s removal. The diverse Cabinet composition reflects an effort to include minority voices and promote international relations, particularly with Western nations. With a focus on rebuilding the army and addressing severe economic hardships, the government aims to navigate the challenges posed by ongoing violence and humanitarian crises in the war-torn nation.
Original Source: www.local10.com
