Syria Appoints New Foreign, Defense Ministers

Syria's interim government has appointed Murhaf Abu Qasra, a senior leader of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), as the new defense minister following the recent ousting of President Bashar Assad. Abu Qasra, known by his nom de guerre Abu Hassan 600, is recognized for his significant military operations during the revolution and closely collaborates with HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has emerged as Syria's de facto leader. Alongside Abu Qasra, Asaad Hassan al-Shibani has been named foreign minister, indicating a strategic move to integrate former rebel factions and defectors from Assad's military. Prime Minister Mohammed al-Bashir, a former HTS official, is set to lead a transitional government for three months, although long-term governance plans remain uncertain. The administration's goal appears to be establishing international relations that promote peace and stability in the region, following HTS's recent military successes. This new governance structure marks a significant shift in Syria's political landscape after years of civil conflict.