DAMASCUS (AFP) – Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced a new transitional government dominated by close allies and including one woman, replacing caretaker authorities in place since the ouster of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad.
The announcement, initially scheduled for earlier this month, comes amid international calls for an inclusive Syrian transition following recent sectarian bloodshed, as the country’s new leaders seek to reunite and rebuild Syria and its institutions after Assad’s December 8, 2024 overthrow brought an end to 14 years of civil war.
Close associates of Sharaa held on to key positions, with Foreign Minister Assaad al-Shaibani and Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra retaining their Cabinet posts, while the head of general intelligence Anas Khattab was appointed interior minister.
Veteran opposition figure Hind Kabawat was named social affairs and labour minister, the first woman to be appointed by Sharaa.
