Sun Mar 30 04:17:02 UTC 2025: ## Syria Forms New Unity Government After Assad’s Ouster

**DAMASCUS, Syria (March 30, 2025)** – Syria’s transitional government, a 23-member cabinet representing diverse religious and ethnic groups, was sworn in on Saturday, marking a significant step toward stability after the removal of the Assad family from power in December 2024. The government, the first of a five-year transitional period, replaces the interim government and is led by a Secretary General, rather than a Prime Minister, as per the recently adopted temporary constitution.

The new cabinet includes some familiar faces, notably the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defence, who retained their posts from the interim government. However, the majority of positions are filled by new appointees, including Anas Khattab, the former head of the intelligence department, who now serves as Interior Minister. The government notably excludes members of the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). A recent agreement between interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi secured a nationwide ceasefire and the integration of the SDF into the Syrian army.

The cabinet’s composition is noteworthy for its inclusivity. Hind Kabawat, a Christian activist who opposed the Assad regime, was appointed Minister of Social Affairs and Labour, and Raed Saleh, former head of the Syrian Civil Defence (White Helmets), now leads the Ministry for Emergency Disasters. Mohammed Terko, a Syrian Kurd from Damascus, will head the Ministry of Education. Mohammed al-Bashir, who led the interim government, takes on the Energy portfolio, focusing on restoring vital infrastructure damaged by the conflict.

President al-Sharaa emphasized the government’s commitment to building a new state. Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra outlined the goal of establishing a professional army representing the people. The inclusion of minorities, including a woman and members of the Alawite sect (to which Assad belonged), is seen as a deliberate attempt to appease Western nations, which have demanded greater representation for women and minorities in the political process. The government also aims to persuade these nations to lift crippling economic sanctions. The UN reports that 90% of Syrians live below the poverty line, with millions facing food aid cuts.

Despite the formation of the new government, concerns remain. Recent violence in the coastal Alawite region left over 1,000 dead. Furthermore, the U.S. State Department issued a warning to its citizens, citing increased risk of attacks, potentially targeting embassies and international organizations, during the upcoming Eid el-Fitr holiday.

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