Syria’s New Chapter

Syria’s interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa said Saturday evening that a new government has been formed, emphasising his determination to “build a strong and stable state”.

Al-Sharaa, who took power on 8 December, said in a speech at the announcement ceremony that he wanted to “build a strong and stable state”.

Since a coalition of Islamist-led armed factions ousted former President Bashar al-Assad on 8 December, a caretaker cabinet has been in charge pending the formation of a new government.

Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani and Defence Minister Marhaf Abu Qasra, who are close to al-Sharaa, retained their portfolios in the new cabinet announced on Saturday evening.

The head of the General Intelligence Directorate, Anas Khattab, also close to al-Sharaa, was appointed interior minister.

Hind Kabawat was appointed minister of social affairs and labour. A Christian and opponent of ousted President Bashar al-Assad, she was a member of the preparatory committee for the National Dialogue Conference held in February.

Raed al-Saleh, head of the White Helmets organisation, which carried out rescue operations in former opposition-held areas, was appointed minister of emergencies and disasters.

The announcement, initially expected on 1 March, comes as the international community calls for an inclusive transition in Syria.

The new authorities are seeking to reunify the country and build its institutions after Assad’s ouster.

After being declared transitional president in January, al-Sharaa has been overseeing the management of the five-year transition period after nearly 14 years of civil war.