Syria’s interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa has sworn in a new transitional government, marking a key milestone in the country’s efforts to rebuild after 14 years of civil war. The formation of this new government is seen as a declaration of Syria’s joint will to build a new state.
Syria’s Transitional Government Takes Shape
Syria’s interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa has sworn in a new transitional government, marking a key milestone in the country’s efforts to rebuild after 14 years of civil war. The 23-member Cabinet, which includes one woman and is religiously and ethnically mixed, was appointed by al-Sharaa to replace the caretaker authorities that have been in place since the ouster of longtime ruler Bashar Assad in December 2024.
The Syria Transitional Government was established in 2016 as a result of the Geneva II Conference.
The government aimed to create a transitional administration for Syria, replacing the existing authoritarian regime.
It was composed of representatives from the Syrian opposition and civil society organizations.
The transition plan included provisions for a new constitution, free elections, and the establishment of an independent judiciary.
The formation of a new government is seen as a declaration of the country’s joint will to build a new state. Al-Sharaa stated that ‘the formation of a new government today is a declaration of our joint will to build a new state.‘ The naming of a transitional government is crucial for Syria’s new leaders, who aim to rebuild the country and address the humanitarian crisis that has left 90% of Syrians below the poverty line.
The Syrian Arab Republic was established on April 17, 1946, following the end of 'French colonial rule.'
The country gained independence after World War II and became a republic in 1930, with the name 'Syrian Republic' being used until 1961.
In 1971, it officially changed its name to the Syrian Arab Republic.
Syria is located in Western Asia, bordered by Turkey, Iraq, Jordan, Israel, Lebanon, and the Mediterranean Sea.
The Cabinet includes close allies of al-Sharaa, who have retained key positions. Foreign Minister Assaad al-Shaibani and Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra remain in their posts, while Anas Khattab, the head of general intelligence, was appointed interior minister. The government also includes representatives from Syria’s diverse ethnic and religious communities, such as Yarub Badr, an Alawite who was named transportation minister, and Amgad Badr, a Druze minority leader who will lead the Agriculture Ministry.
The appointment of Hind Kabawat, a Christian woman and longtime Assad opponent, as social affairs and labor minister marks a significant step towards greater inclusivity. She is the first woman to be appointed by al-Sharaa. The Cabinet also includes Raed al-Saleh, the leader of the White Helmets, who was appointed emergency minister.
The announcement of the mixed government aims to convince Western countries to lift crippling economic sanctions that were imposed on Assad more than a decade ago. However, it remains to be seen whether this move will be enough to address the humanitarian crisis and rebuild Syria’s economy.
The Path Forward
Al-Sharaa has stated that it will take four to five years to establish the necessary infrastructure to hold elections. When will Syria hold its first elections under this new government? It is unclear, but one thing is certain: the formation of a transitional government marks an important step towards rebuilding Syria and addressing the humanitarian crisis that has plagued the country for over a decade.
The Syria humanitarian crisis began in 2011 as a peaceful uprising against President Bashar al-Assad's regime.
The conflict escalated into a full-blown civil war, causing widespread destruction and displacement of civilians.
Over 13 million people are affected, with over 6 million internally displaced.
The crisis has resulted in over 500,000 deaths, including civilians, soldiers, and children.
The humanitarian situation is dire, with millions facing food insecurity, lack of access to healthcare, and limited access to clean water and sanitation.
Background
Syria’s civil war began in 2011 and lasted for over a decade. The conflict resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people and displaced millions more. In December 2024, long-time ruler Bashar Assad was ousted from power, paving the way for a new transitional government. The formation of this government is seen as a key milestone in Syria’s efforts to rebuild and address its humanitarian crisis.
Key Players
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Ahmad al-Sharaa: Interim President of Syria
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Assaad al-Shaibani: Foreign Minister
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Murhaf Abu Qasra: Defense Minister
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Anas Khattab: Head of General Intelligence
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Yarub Badr: Transportation Minister
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Amgad Badr: Agriculture Minister
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Hind Kabawat: Social Affairs and Labor Minister
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Raed al-Saleh: Emergency Minister
