On Saturday, March 29th, Ahmad al-Sharaa presented Syria’s new government. This government, intended to serve until elections are held in the country, replaces the transitional government appointed after the fall of The Assad regime. However, unlike the transitional government, this government does not have a prime minister, and it seems that the ministers are subordinate to al-Sharaa.
During the presentation of the government at the presidential palace in Damascus, al-Sharaa delivered a speech stating that the new government will work to create security and stability in the country while rebuilding the army and security systems, as well as reconstructing state institutions, healthcare, education and industry systems, and the economy.
The new Syrian government includes members from most groups in the country and even one female minister. Most of its members are highly educated, holding advanced degrees and professional experience (a significant portion served in the “Salvation Government”), and some even studied and worked abroad before their appointments.
It can be assumed that the selection of these individuals is another attempt by al-Sharaa to present moderation and diversity to ease domestic tensions and external pressures, alongside other statements he has made so far.
However, despite the relative diversity and the fact that some members of the government had not previously served in the “Salvation Government,” al-Sharaa retained key positions—defense, foreign affairs, and justice—for his close associates who have accompanied him since the days of Idlib, alongside several other ministers who worked within the “Salvation Government.”
41 years old, born in the town of Halfaya (Hama governorate). Abu Qasara, who served as the commander of the military wing of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham and as the Minister of Defense in the transitional government, was one of the key figures working to improve the military capabilities of the rebels in the Idlib region and one of the leaders in the offensive that led to the fall of The Assad regime. He holds a degree in agricultural engineering.
37 years old, born in the Al-Hasakah region, grew up in Damascus. Al-Shibani joined the rebels in 2011 and was one of the founders of Jabhat al-Nusra and Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham. He later became responsible for the foreign relations department of the “Salvation Government,” working with the UN, international organizations, and various countries. He also served as Foreign Minister in the transitional government appointed in January 2025. Al-Shibani holds a degree in English literature, as well as a master’s and a PhD in political science and international relations.
58 years old, an economist who has held several positions within the Arab Monetary Fund, including Secretary-General of the Council of Governors of Arab Banks and Secretary-General of the Council of Arab Finance Ministers. Additionally, Barnia is one of the founders of Al-Sham Bank and the Syrian Securities and financial markets Authority.
44 years old, born in the village of Ashara (Deir ez-Zor region). Al-Wais is a trained physician and also holds additional degrees in Islamic law. In 2008, he was arrested by the Assad regime and imprisoned for six years in Sednaya Prison. After his release, he joined the ranks of the rebels and held several positions in judicial systems operating under Jabhat al-Nusra, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, and the Salvation Government in Idlib.
38 years old, born in the town of Jayrud (northeast of Damascus), considered very close to al-Sharaa. In 2008, he joined a jihadist organization affiliated with al-Qaeda that operated against American forces in Iraq. Khattab returned to Syria around 2011 and was one of the founders of Jabhat al-Nusra and later Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, leading the security apparatuses of these organizations. In 2012, he was added to the U.S. sanctions list. After the fall of the Assad regime, he was appointed to head Syria’s intelligence apparatuse.
39 years old, born in the town of Al-Tayyana (Deir ez-Zor region). Al-Ali is a trained physician specializing in neurosurgery and has worked in several hospitals in Germany. At the beginning of the civil war, he was arrested by the regime and imprisoned for a short period. In recent years, he has been active in medical and aid organizations operating in rebel-controlled areas.
68 years old, born in Aleppo. Previously served as Minister of Economy and Trade under the Assad regime from 2011 to 2012, as well as in various other economic roles both in Syria and abroad, including advisor to the World Bank, the German stock exchange, and researcher at the U.S. Department of Commerce. Additionally, he served as a professor of economics at universities in Syria and the U.S. Al-Shaar holds a master’s degree and a PhD in economics from George Washington University in the U.S., as well as an additional degree from the University of South Dakota.
41 years old, born in the village of Mashoun in the Jabal al-Zawiya region (south of Idlib). Holds a bachelor’s degree in electronic engineering and another degree in Sharia studies. Al-Bashir, one of the founders of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, served as the PM of the “Salvation Government” in Idlib, as well as in other ministerial roles. After the fall of the Assad regime, he was appointed to lead the interim government.
51 years old Christian, born in Damascus. A prominent social and political activist in Syria. She has been involved in a mediation committee for negotiations between the rebels and the Assad regime since 2015 and was a member of the preparatory committee for the “Syrian National Dialogue Conference,” aimed at fostering understanding between different groups in Syria as part of the country’s reconstruction. Additionally, she led the “Istiklal” organization, which works to promote and empower women in Syria.
Qabwat holds degrees in economics, law, and international relations from universities in Syria, Lebanon, and the United States. Furthermore, she lived for several years in the U.S. and Canada, actively promoting peace, tolerance, and interfaith dialogue.
64 years old, born in Damascus. Served as an imam and Quran teacher in the Al- Mezzeh neighborhood of Damascus. Holds a degree in law and a PhD in Sharia law studies from institutions in Lebanon and Pakistan.
46 years old, a Kurd from the city of Afrin in northern Syria. Holds a law degree from the University of Damascus and a PhD in law from the University of Leipzig in Germany. Previously served as Vice President of the University of Damascus.
65 years old, an Alawite from the city of Latakia. A trained engineer with a PhD in transportation and communication. Served as Minister of Transportation under The Assad regime from 2006 to 2011 and as a consultant to the United Nations on transportation and logistics matters.
32 years old engineer from the city of Aleppo. Anjarani joined the rebels in 2011 and was arrested and held by The Assad regime for several months. During the civil war, he was active in local governance in rebel-controlled areas of northern Syria, and was later involved in the establishment of the “Salvation Government” in Idlib, and even served as Minister of Local Governance within it.
60 years old, from the town of Quneitra. A gynecologist and fertility specialist with multiple degrees and professional training in various medical fields (obstetrics, genetics, fertility, and more) from universities in Syria and France. He has served as a lecturer and held public positions in these fields in Syria and the Arab world.
39 years old, from Hama governorate. Holds degrees in political science and international relations, as well as a PhD in Middle Eastern politics from the University of Exeter in England. Previously served as the director of Syria’s national television.
46 years old, from Damascus. A tech entrepreneur who has lived in the United Arab Emirates in recent years. Over the years, he has founded and headed several different high-tech companies. Holds degrees in political science and international relations from universities in Lebanon and Qatar.
46 years old, from Damascus. A businessman who has founded and managed numerous companies and projects in the hospitality and retail sectors across the Middle East. Holds degrees in business administration and project management from universities in the United States and Canada.
A 55-year-old Druze with degrees in agricultural engineering and a PhD in agricultural economics. Prior to his appointment, he managed the Agricultural Scientific Research Center in Suwayda.
40 years old from Raqqa governorate (raised in the Damascus area). A journalist working for Al Jazeera since 2012. Saleh holds degrees in linguistics and translation from the Universities of London and Westminster.
37 years old, engineer by training. He managed several infrastructure projects in areas under rebel control and, in 2024-2025, served as Minister of Housing and Public Works under the “Salvation Government” in Idlib.
49 years old from the village of Takharim (Idlib governorate). Hamed is a prominent figure in Syrian basketball, having held various positions in basketball teams over the years. He also served as Minister of Sports and Youth (as well as in other roles in this field) under the “Salvation Government” in Idlib.
34 years old from Idlib Governorate, holds a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics and a master’s degree in management. Before his appointment, Skaf held several senior public positions under the “Salvation Government” in Idlib.
minister of Disasters, Emergencies and Environment – Raed Al-Saleh
40 years old from the town of Jisr al-Shughur (Idlib Governorate). Holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and professional training in disaster and emergency management. Al-Saleh played a key role in establishing the Civil Defense Authority (the White Helmets organization) within rebel ranks and even led the organization.
