Syria's Transitional Government Sworn In, Marking a New Era After Assad's Fall

Ahmad al-Sharaa's 23-member cabinet reflects ethnic and religious diversity but retains key allies in powerful positions as the country embarks on a five-year transitional period.

The new government includes representatives from minority groups such as Christians, Alawites, Druze, and Kurds, but concerns remain over the exclusion of Kurdish-led SDF factions.
Hind Kabawat, a Christian opposition figure, was appointed as Minister of Social Affairs and Labour, becoming the first woman in al-Sharaa's cabinet.
Key figures from the caretaker government, including Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and Foreign Minister Assaad al-Shaibani, retained their posts.
The interim constitution grants Ahmad al-Sharaa significant powers, including authority to appoint judges and legislators, raising concerns about checks and balances during the transitional period.
The government aims to rebuild war-torn Syria, address sectarian violence, and push for the lifting of Western sanctions, which have left 90% of Syrians below the poverty line.