- Syria’s new 23-member government sworn in after Assad’s removal.
- No prime minister; a secretary general will oversee operations.
- Economic crisis, security threats, and sanctions remain key challenges.
Syria’s new government was sworn in on Saturday, marking a major transition after the removal of Bashar al-Assad in December. The 23-member cabinet includes leaders from different religious and ethnic backgrounds. The government will guide Syria through a five-year transition period.
Unlike past governments, there is no prime minister. Instead, a secretary general will oversee operations, as per the temporary constitution signed by interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa.
Most ministers are new, but the foreign and defence ministers have kept their positions. Notably, there is no representation from the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) or the autonomous administration in northeast Syria. However, al-Sharaa and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi recently agreed to merge the SDF into the Syrian army.
Syria faces major challenges. Over 1,000 people died in recent revenge killings in the Alawite region. Economic troubles continue, with 90% of Syrians living in poverty. Sanctions from Western countries remain in place.
Security is another concern. Hours before the announcement, the US warned of possible terrorist attacks during the Eid holiday. Embassies and public buildings could be at risk.
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