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New Syria under al-Sharaa: reforms or return to dictatorship?
Syria's new government under Ahmed al-Sharaa is planning economic reforms and filling key positions. Questions about the future remain.
New Syria under al-Sharaa: reforms or return to dictatorship?
Syria's political landscape is facing dramatic change. New ruler Ahmed al-Sharaa has announced his interim government and key posts within the administration after taking power from long-time leader Bashar al-Assad more than eight weeks ago. Al-Sharaa, once known as the leader of the Islamist militia Haiat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), is now pursuing a more moderate course and promising to move the country forward through economic reforms and new political dialogue the small newspaper reported.
The interim government under al-Sharaa wants to eliminate the corruption and mismanagement of recent years and stabilize the Syrian economy and attract investment. Al-Sharaa stressed the need for reforms to improve conditions for Syrian refugees to return. Key ministerial positions have already been filled: Mohammed al-Bashir, a technocrat, has been appointed prime minister, while Murhaf Abu Kasra, the new defense minister, has the difficult task of uniting rival militia groups, reported ZDF. The appointment of the first female governor, Muhsina al-Mahithaui, from the Druze minority, marks a historic shift for the role of women in Syrian politics.
The future of the political order
The question of when elections will take place remains uncertain. Al-Sharaa said it could take up to four years before a new constitution is adopted and elections can be held. As the new leader pursues international meetings to cement his government's legitimacy, the legacy of the Assad dictatorship remains a major challenge as the population awaits justice for the crimes suffered. Experts fear that including former HTS officials in government posts could both raise hopes for reform and increase concerns about possible Islamist dominance.
Despite the positive approaches, the new rulers are also showing signs of continuity by retaining many veteran officials in key positions. The country's structural problems, including the dire economic situation and security sector insecurities, present al-Sharaa with enormous challenges that require rapid and effective solutions.