Rebels Name Mohammed al-Bashir Syria’s Interim Prime Minister Amid Post-Assad Transition

Mohammed al-Bashir, a former governor of a small rebel-held territory in northwest Syria, has been named the country’s interim prime minister following the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad three days ago. 

In a televised address on Tuesday, al-Bashir, backed by rebel factions that ousted Assad, announced he would serve as caretaker prime minister until March 1.

Speaking from a government building in Damascus, he expressed his surprise at taking on the role, saying, “I have never imagined I would enter here. To come here and stand here?”

Al-Bashir revealed that a transitional cabinet meeting was held to oversee the transfer of administrative files from both the former Assad regime and the Salvation Government, which had governed parts of Idlib province.

Behind him were two flags: the green, black, and white banner used by Assad’s opponents and the white flag with the Islamic oath of faith, often associated with Sunni Islamist factions. 

In Damascus, life showed signs of normalcy. Banks reopened for the first time since Assad’s fall, shops resumed operations, and street cleaners worked to restore the city’s appearance. Rebel leaders reportedly ordered their fighters to withdraw from urban centres, with security forces aligned with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the main rebel group, taking over policing duties. 

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated Washington’s support for Syria’s political transition, urging it to lead to inclusive, non-sectarian governance while addressing the safe disposal of chemical and biological weapons. 

Despite these developments, Israeli airstrikes targeted bases of the Syrian army, whose forces had retreated during the rebel advance. Israel confirmed that its troops were operating beyond the demilitarised buffer zone near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights but denied intentions to advance towards Damascus. 

The international community appears to be cautiously engaging with HTS, a former al-Qaeda affiliate that has distanced itself from its jihadist roots.

UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen noted HTS’s shift, saying, “The reality is so far that HTS and also the other armed groups have been sending good messages to the Syrian people … of unity, of inclusiveness.”

Al-Bashir’s political background remains limited to Idlib province, where he previously held roles in education and governance. A Facebook page linked to the rebel administration describes him as an electrical engineer with additional qualifications in sharia and law. 

As Syria navigates this historic transition, the challenges of governance, unity, and foreign intervention remain at the forefront.

Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi

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