Syria's Interim Government Faces Scrutiny Over Control

Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has announced a new 23-member transitional government in Syria, composed of a diverse mix of ethnic and religious groups, following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad. The cabinet includes Hind Kabawat, a Christian advocate, as Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, and Raed al-Saleh, of the White Helmets, as Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management. Despite forming a government without a prime minister, al-Sharaa retains significant control, appointing allies to key positions in foreign, defense, and interior ministries. The government aims to unify Syria during its five-year transitional period, amidst ongoing sectarian violence and economic challenges. This new leadership structure is under international scrutiny to ensure inclusivity and restore stability, as the country faces persistent security threats and sanctions. The formation follows recent agreements to merge US-backed forces into the Syrian army and a constitutional declaration for governance.