A new government coalition in Syria has been announced, with the aim of furthering the “rebuilding” of the country. Transition President Ahmed al-Sarraj, formerly known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, presented a cabinet of 22 ministers in the evening. The new government’s goal is to “unite” the war-torn country after the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad, according to al-Sarraj, who emphasized his intention to build a “strong and stable state”.
Outgoing Foreign Minister Assad al-Shaibani and Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Kasra, who were part of the previous transition government, retained their positions. Intelligence Chief Anas Chattab, a close associate of the transition president, is set to become the new Interior Minister, according to reports. The government has not appointed a prime minister, but it is expected that al-Sarraj will lead the government’s work.
Raed al-Saleh, a former associate of the White Helmets, a non-governmental organization accused of orchestrating chemical attacks under false pretenses, was appointed head of the newly established Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management.
Hind Kabawat, a former opposition figure and a Christian, was named Minister of Social Affairs and Labor. Yarub Badr, an Alawite, will lead the Transportation Ministry, while Amgad Badr, a Druze, will head the Agriculture Ministry.
International analysts view the inclusion of religious minorities in the Islamist-led coalition as an attempt to appear tolerant, as the new government relies on the goodwill of the West. The most important positions, however, were given to associates of al-Sarraj.
The new government does not include members of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) or the autonomous civil administration in northeastern Syria.
Fighters from al-Jolani’s Islamist militia, the HTS and groups affiliated with it, had overthrown long-time Syrian government chief Bashar al-Assad on December 8. The Islamists dissolved the old parliament and the former ruling Baath party and abolished the 2012 constitution. In late January, al-Jolani was appointed transition president.