Damascus, Syria — Syria’s interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa announced the formation of a new “transitional government” on Saturday, signaling a pivotal moment in the nation’s quest for stability after years of conflict.
The announcement, made in the capital city of Damascus, introduces a cabinet that retains key figures from the interim leadership. Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, formerly the interim chief of the foreign affairs authority, has been appointed as the new foreign minister. Anas Khattab, the former intelligence chief, will now serve as interior minister. Marhaf Abu Qusra, who oversaw defense affairs in the interim administration, has taken on the role of defense minister.
The government has also initiated several structural changes, including the establishment of a Ministry of Emergency and Disasters to address natural and humanitarian crises, as well as a dedicated Ministry of Youth and Sports aimed at engaging the nation’s younger population.
The formation of the transitional government comes in the wake of the collapse of former President Bashar al-Assad’s regime on December 8, 2024. Assad’s government fell after a 12-day offensive led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied militant groups, marking a significant shift in Syria’s political landscape.
Since Assad’s ouster, HTS commander al-Sharaa has been at the helm of the interim authorities, working toward establishing a new political framework for the country. “This transitional government represents the aspirations of the Syrian people for peace, stability, and a brighter future,” al-Sharaa stated during the announcement.
The international community watches closely as Syria embarks on this new chapter, with hopes that the transitional government will pave the way for lasting peace and reconstruction in a nation that has endured years of turmoil.
