In a landmark turn for Syrian politics, fighters opposed to President Bashar al-Assad announced the appointment of Mohammed al-Bashir as interim prime minister. This decision, taken in the context of a prolonged civil war, elevates al-Bashir, head of the Syrian Salvation Government (SSG) dominated by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), to the rank of central figure of the transitional administration in the Idleb region, in the northwest of the country.
According to a televised statement on Tuesday, al-Bashir will lead a transitional government until March 1, 2025. The announcement comes in the wake of a meeting between the new prime minister and members of the former Syrian government, as well as officials administrative authorities of the province of Idlib and surrounding areas.
« Today we held a cabinet meeting in the presence of members of the former government and some directors of the Idlib local administration. Our goal is to facilitate all necessary work over the next two months, pending the establishment of a constitutional system capable of serving the Syrian people. “, al-Bashir told Al Jazeera.
Al-Bashir also indicated that other meetings were underway to revive local institutions, with the aim of guaranteeing their effectiveness in a crisis context. “ We are working to restart administrative structures so that they can meet the immediate needs of our population “, he added.
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The Syrian Salvation Government, under the aegis of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, has long been seen as a de facto administration controlling Idlib province, the last major bastion of anti-Assad forces. Al-Bashir’s appointment could signal an effort to lend some form of legitimacy to that entity, while attempting to bring disparate factions together under common leadership.
Political and strategic issues
This approach occurs in a complex landscape, marked by struggles for influence between the different actors in the Syrian conflict. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, although controversial due to its past linked to jihadist groups, is trying to evolve towards a more political and administrative posture. The establishment of a transitional government could be seen as an attempt at strategic repositioning, aimed at winning the support of the local population and the international community.
However, this nomination is not unanimous. Some analysts believe that the choice of al-Bashir reflects above all the interests of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, rather than a real desire to include all components of the Syrian opposition. Others see it as an opportunity for stabilization in a region racked by years of conflict and foreign interference.
For residents of Idlib and neighboring regions, expectations are immense. After more than a decade of war, marked by massive population displacements, food shortages and limited access to healthcare, the priority remains the satisfaction of basic needs. “ We need a government that works for the people, not its own interests », Confides an Idlib resident.
With this announced transition, Mohammed al-Bashir faces a colossal challenge: navigating the political and strategic demands of different stakeholders, while meeting the urgent expectations of the Syrian population. The road to lasting stability remains strewn with pitfalls.
