Christian woman appointed minister in new Syrian new gov't, replacing minister who had woman executed

A new government was sworn in in Syria, according to reports today (Saturday).

Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara delivered a speech outlining the objectives of his new government, which include strengthening human rights and establishing fundamental freedoms. Notably, he appointed Hind a Christian woman as the new minister of social affairs. 

In his speech, al-Shara referred to the new government as a "government of change and reconstruction." He emphasized that rebuilding state institutions, implementing reforms, and addressing economic and social issues are top priorities.

He also stressed the importance of opening “new horizons” in education and healthcare.

“We will not allow corruption to infiltrate our institutions, and we will not be lenient in the fight against corruption,” the Syrian president declared. 

The new Syrian government has been appointed for the "transition period," meaning for the coming years, effectively replacing the "Salvation Government" that controlled Idlib in recent years. After the collapse of Assad’s regime, this government has now taken control of the rest of Syria as well. 

Two controversial ministers from the previous government have been replaced. Maher al-Shara, the president’s brother who served as minister of health, has been replaced. Additionally, former Justice Minister Shadi al-Waisi, who was documented as taking part in the execution of a woman in Idlib in the past, has also been removed.

Mohammad al-Bashir, who previously served as Syrian prime minister, was "demoted" to minister of energy following constitutional reforms that abolished the position of Prime Minister. 

The new government includes only one female minister, Hind Kabawat, as the minister of social affairs. She comes from a Christian family and is an expert in conflict resolution, having led an organization promoting education in the Arab world. 

Most of the names in the new government are new, except for Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shibani and Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Kasra, who are close to President al-Shara and remain in their positions. Anas Khattab, also close to al-Shara, was appointed as the minister of interior after previously serving as the head of intelligence. 

Familiar faces in the government include the new Minister of "Emergency and Crises," Raed al-Salah, who was the head of the "White Helmets" organization, a rescue and relief group that operated in areas controlled by the rebels during the civil war, and was one of the representative voices in the international arena against former dictator Bashar al-Assad.

The new minister of information is Hamza al-Mustafa, who was the director of the "SYRIA TV" channel, a popular opposition news channel broadcasting from Turkey, which provided an alternative source of information to the state-controlled media of the Assad regime. 

The Syrian foreign minister in both the previous and current government, Asaad Al-Shibani, recently accused Israel of exploiting Syria's transition period to a new government to carry out violations on Syrian soil, due to Israeli maneuvers in its territory.

He also said the new government would not allow any party to harm Syria's sovereignty or impose "areas of influence" within its borders.