Latest Developments
President Announces Cabinet: Syrian transitional government leader Ahmad al-Sharaa announced a new government cabinet on March 29, filling 22 ministerial positions over the weekend. The new cabinet includes one woman, Hind Kabawat, as minister of social affairs; one member of the Druze minority, Amgad Badr, as minister of agriculture; one Kurd, Mohammad Abdulrahman Tarko, as minister of education; and one Alawite, Yarub Badr, as minister of transportation.
Most Prominent Roles Held by Al-Sharaa’s Men: The most powerful positions in al-Sharaa’s new cabinet remain occupied by loyalists to the interim president. Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and Foreign Minister Assad al-Shilbani retained their positions, which they have held since the toppling of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. Al-Sharaa, who led the U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in its successful overthrow of the Assad regime, assumed the interim presidency in Syria until elections can be held, which could take up to five years.
Syrian Groups Oppose New Cabinet: The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) voiced its opposition to al-Sharaa’s new cabinet on March 3, citing a lack of diversity. Representing a region with Kurdish, Arab, and minority populations in Syria, the AANES stated that its views were shared by the residents of the Druze-majority city of Suwayda in southern Syria. Protestors in Suwayda reportedly took to the streets over the weekend, calling for a more decentralized political system that ensures equitable representation for Kurds, Arabs, Alawites, Druze, and Christians.
FDD Expert Response
“This cabinet is a facade for one-man rule. The power ministries — defense, interior, justice, and foreign affairs — remain firmly under al-Sharaa’s control. The new army remains stacked with Islamist commanders loyal to al-Sharaa. And the constitution even lets al-Sharaa appoint lawmakers and Supreme Court justices. This authoritarian approach might ensure stability for a time, but it risks a return to conflict.” — David Adesnik, Vice President of Research
“The new transitional government includes representatives from Syria’s minorities — Kurds, Druze, and Christians — as well as some independent ministers. However, their actual influence remains uncertain while al-Sharaa consolidates power and retains control over key ministries. Meanwhile, some Druze factions and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, currently integrating into the new state, have rejected the new government, which will only complicate Syria’s path to stability and unity.” —Ahmad Sharawi, Research Analyst
FDD Background and Analysis
“‘No Blank Check’: European Envoys Press Syrian Leader Al-Sharaa to Hold Violent Jihadists Accountable,” FDD Flash Brief
“Syria’s New Constitution: A Shift Toward Unchecked Presidential Powers,” by Ahmad Sharawi
“Syrian authorities continue crackdown on Hezbollah and its affiliates,” by Ahmad Sharawi
“Massacres in Syria Expose New President’s Struggle to Govern,” by Ahmad Sharawi
Issues:
Syria