Syria swears in new transitional government months after Assad’s

Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Shara, announcing the formation of a new government, in Damascus, Syria, on Saturday.Credit…Khalil Ashawi/Reuters

|Published March 31, 2025

In a significant political shift, Syria has announced the formation of a new transitional government aimed at unifying the country after years of civil war. The move comes as part of an agreement between the interim government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), marking a crucial step toward national reconciliation.

Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa emphasized that the new government seeks to integrate all ethnic and religious communities into the state’s institutions. One of the most notable aspects of the agreement is the formal recognition of Syria’s Kurdish population as an essential part of the nation. This recognition includes granting citizenship to thousands of Kurds who had long been stateless under the previous Assad-led regime.

Confetti and flowers are dropped from a military helicopter onto a crowd during a celebration marking the 10th anniversary of the victory of rebel forces over Bashar al-Assad’s army in Idlib, Syria, Friday, March 28, 2025.

The transitional government has also adopted a temporary constitution that will guide the country for the next five years. While maintaining certain Islamic provisions—such as the requirement that the head of state be Muslim and recognizing Islamic law as the foundation of the legal system—the new constitution also enshrines key democratic principles, including freedom of speech and media rights.

A critical element of the agreement is the integration of SDF forces into Syria’s national security apparatus. This decision is expected to bolster security efforts against lingering threats from the remnants of the Assad regime and extremist groups. However, the plan also raises concerns among some minority factions, who fear potential political marginalization in the evolving power structure.

The international community is closely monitoring these developments, with foreign governments weighing the potential lifting of sanctions and economic support depending on the government’s commitment to inclusivity and stability. The coming months will be pivotal in determining whether this transitional government can lead Syria toward long-term peace or if internal tensions will continue to challenge its progress.

As Syria stands at this crossroads, the success of this initiative will define the nation’s path forward, either toward sustainable governance or continued turmoil.

SOURCES: CNN – Syria swears in new transitional government months after Assad’s

FINANCIAL TIMES – Syria swears in new government months after Assad was deposed