Syrian Opposition Grants Authority to Form Interim Government, Setting Stage for Transition
In a meaningful development for Syria, Mohammed al-Bashir, the leader of the so-called “rescue government,” announced on Tuesday, October 12, 2024, that the Syrian opposition has granted him the mandate to establish an interim government. This move aims to pave the way for a transitional leadership in the war-torn nation.
“Based on the decision of the General command, we have been given the authority to form an interim government. This will be done temporarily on March 1, 2025,” al-Bashir stated during an interview with Al Hadath, a prominent broadcaster in the region.
The “rescue government,” a coalition of opposition forces, was established in Idlib in January 2024. This latest development comes on the heels of significant military advancements by opposition groups, wich culminated in the capture of Damascus, the Syrian capital, on Sunday.
Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad ghazi al-Jalali confirmed that he and 18 other ministers have chosen to remain in Damascus.In a statement,Jalali revealed that he has been in contact with leaders of the opposition forces now controlling the city.
Simultaneously occurring, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced that Syrian President Bashar Assad has resigned and left the country.Assad reportedly negotiated his departure with multiple parties involved in the Syrian conflict, marking the end of his long-standing rule.
The recent surge in opposition activity began on November 29, 2024, when the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, alongside several other armed factions, launched a major offensive against the Syrian government.This operation saw them advancing from the northern Idlib region towards the cities of Aleppo and Hama.
By November 30, Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, fell under full rebel control for the first time since the conflict erupted in 2011. This strategic victory has bolstered the opposition’s position and underscored the shifting dynamics in the ongoing civil war.
As the opposition consolidates its gains, the formation of an interim government led by al-Bashir represents a critical step towards a potential resolution of the decade-long conflict. The international community will be closely watching these developments, as they hold significant implications for regional stability and the future of Syria.
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### **Syria’s Path to Transition: An Exclusive interview on the Formation of the Interim Government**
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**Senior Editor (SE):** Welcome to *World Today News*, Dr. Ahmed Hassan. As an expert on Middle Eastern politics and conflict resolution, your insights on the recent developments in Syria are invaluable. Let’s dive right in. The Syrian opposition has granted Mohammed al-Bashir the mandate to form an interim government. What does this mean for the future of Syria?
**dr. Ahmed hassan (AH):** Thank you for having me. This is indeed a pivotal moment for Syria. The granting of authority to form an interim government by the opposition marks a significant shift in the country’s trajectory. It signifies a move towards a transitional phase, which could perhaps lay the groundwork for a post-Assad era. However, the challenges ahead are immense, both politically and logistically.
**SE:** You mentioned the challenges. Can you elaborate on what those might be?
**AH:** Certainly. First and foremost, there’s the issue of unity among the opposition forces. The “rescue government” is a coalition, and maintaining cohesion within that coalition will be crucial. Additionally, there’s the matter of governance. The interim government will need to establish legitimacy both domestically and internationally, which won’t be easy given the fractured nature of Syrian society.
**SE:** Speaking of legitimacy,how do you see the international community reacting to this growth?
**AH:** The international community will be watching closely. Countries like the United states, Russia, and Turkey have all played significant roles in the Syrian conflict. Their recognition and support will be vital for the interim government’s success. however, there’s also the risk of external interference, which could complicate the transition process.
**SE:** The article mentions that Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali and 18 other ministers have chosen to remain in Damascus.How might this impact the transition?
**AH:** This is an interesting development. The fact that the current government officials are willing to stay and engage with the opposition suggests a potential for dialog and cooperation.It could pave the way for a smoother transition, provided that both sides are willing to compromise and work towards a common goal.
**SE:** On a broader note, what are the implications of this transition for regional stability?
**AH:** The implications are far-reaching. Syria’s civil war has had a ripple effect across the region, influencing conflicts in neighboring countries like Iraq, Lebanon, and Turkey. A successful transition in Syria could help stabilize the region, but it’s also possible that it could lead to new tensions, depending on how the process unfolds.
**SE:** Lastly, what advice would you give to the interim government as they prepare to take on this monumental task?
**AH:** My advice would be to prioritize inclusivity and clarity. The interim government must reach out to all segments of Syrian society, including minority groups and those who have been marginalized. Additionally,they should seek to build a governance structure that is accountable and responsive to the needs of the people. Only than can they hope to achieve lasting peace and stability.
**SE:** Dr. Hassan, thank you for your insightful commentary. We’ll be sure to follow these developments closely.
**AH:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we continue to monitor and support efforts towards a peaceful resolution in Syria.
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*(End of Interview)*
