Syria swears in transitional government to restore stability post-Assad

In March 2025, Syria's new transitional government was sworn in following the removal of Bashar Assad's regime. This landmark moment took place almost four months after Assad was ousted, marking a significant shift in the political landscape of a country ravaged by civil war. The new 23-member Cabinet, diverse in religious and ethnic representation, aims to usher in stability during the initial phase of a five-year transitional period. This government replaces the interim administration set up after Assad's exit in December 2024 and does not designate a prime minister but rather a secretary general as per the new temporary constitution signed by interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa. The government comprises various ministers, including Anas Khattab as Interior Minister, Raed Saleh as Minister for Emergency Disasters, and Mohammed al-Bashir as Minister of Energy. Their primary mission will be restoring a semblance of order amid ongoing conflict that has left a tragic legacy of violence, including significant casualties from clashes within the Alawite community, the sect to which Assad belongs. The new administration is also met with the challenge of addressing dire economic conditions, with UN reports indicating that around 90% of the Syrian population now lives below the poverty line due to the war. With many regions facing severe food shortages, the multiethnic composition of the government - which includes representation from traditionally underrepresented groups, including women and minorities - serves as a signal to Western nations regarding inclusive governance. In a recent agreement, a ceasefire was established between Syrian Democratic Forces and the new administration, emphasizing a collective effort to stabilize the nation by integrating armed forces and focusing on rebuilding the country. As the new transitional government fosters hope for improved stability, it faces the complex interactions of local power dynamics, the remnants of the Assad regime's legacy, and the pressing needs of its war-affected populace. Pressures from international sanctions, humanitarian challenges, and the quest for legitimacy amid a fractured society underscore the uphill battle ahead for the new leaders in Syria's ongoing quest for peace and recovery.