Syria\u2019s cabinet includes ministers from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds
\n Damascus
\nIn a pivotal step for Syria\u2019s transition away from decades of Assad family rule, interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced on Saturday the formation of a new transitional government.
\nThe new cabinet, consisting of 23 ministers, is seen as a key milestone in the country\u2019s effort to rebuild and diversify its leadership while improving relations with the West.
\nThe formation of this government comes after mounting pressure from both Western and Arab nations for a more inclusive approach, especially following the violence that claimed the lives of hundreds of Alawite civilians along Syria\u2019s western coast earlier this month.
\nThe victims belonged to the minority sect from which former leader Bashar al-Assad hailed, further intensifying calls for a government that reflects the country\u2019s diverse ethnic and religious communities.
\nThe new cabinet includes representatives from different religious and ethnic groups in an attempt to foster unity. Among the key appointments, Yarub Badr, an Alawite, was named as transportation minister.
\nMeanwhile, Amgad Badr, a member of the Druze community, will head the agriculture ministry. Hind Kabawat, a Christian woman who had previously opposed Bashar al-Assad, was appointed as social affairs and labor minister.
\nKabawat has long advocated for interfaith tolerance and women\u2019s empowerment, and her appointment signals a move toward a more inclusive government. Mohammed Yosr Bernieh has been named as the new finance minister.
\nDespite these changes, some key figures from the previous caretaker government remain in their roles. Murhaf Abu Qasra, who has served as defense minister, and Asaad al-Shibani, who has held the position of foreign minister, will continue in their respective roles.
\nSharaa also established two new ministries for sports and emergencies. Raed Al-Saleh, head of the White Helmets, a prominent rescue organization, was appointed as the minister for emergencies, marking a significant step in recognizing the contributions of civil society groups in Syria\u2019s recovery.
\nOne notable aspect of the new government is that it will not have a prime minister, with President Sharaa expected to lead the executive branch.
\nSharaa, who was appointed interim president in January, has pledged to oversee the formation of an inclusive transitional government that will focus on rebuilding Syria\u2019s public institutions and guiding the country through the interim period until elections can be held.
\nSharaa indicated that elections may take up to five years to organize due to the complex political and social challenges the country faces.
\nEarlier in March, Syria issued a constitutional declaration to guide the country through this interim period. The declaration emphasizes the central role of Islamic law while also guaranteeing women\u2019s rights and freedom of expression, further signaling the country\u2019s commitment to a new phase of governance and reform.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Syria\u2019s cabinet includes ministers from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds Damascus In a pivotal step for Syria\u2019s transition away from decades of Assad family rule, interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced on Saturday the formation of a new transitional government. The new cabinet, consisting of 23 ministers, is seen as a key milestone in the country\u2019s […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":470134,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-470122","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-world"},"yoast_head":"\n