Syria forms new transitional government but Kurds slam lack of representation | DW News

Key Concepts

• Transitional Government in Syria
• Inclusiveness vs. Centralized Power
• Ahmed al-Hara (Interim President)
• Sanctions on Syria
• Kurdish Autonomous Administration
• Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)
• Token Representation
• Strongman Rule

Formation of the New Transitional Government

• Interim President Ahmed al-Hara has formed a new transitional government in Syria.
• The government is described as "mostly allies" of al-Hara.
• Key figures from the previous leadership, including the foreign and interior ministers, will remain in their positions.
• Hin Kabaw, a Christian woman, will serve as Social Affairs and Labor Minister.
• The Kurdish Autonomous Administration in Northwestern Syria has rejected the legitimacy of this government.

Inclusiveness vs. Centralized Power

• The government is described as a "mixed bag" by Faas Jes, professor at the London School of Economics.
• It is more inclusive than the interim government, with representation from Druze, Kurdish, and Christian communities.
• However, al-Hara has placed his own loyalists in charge of key ministries: Foreign Ministry, Defense Ministry, Interior Ministry, and Energy.
• Jes characterizes it as a "one color government" where al-Hara's word is final.
• There is no prime minister; al-Hara will hold both the president and prime minister positions.
• Jes argues that a "strong man," Ahmed al-Hara, is emerging in Syria.

Exclusion of Other Groups

• The government does not include members of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) or the Autonomous Civil Administration in Northeast Syria.
• Jes states that al-Hara does not want any "institutionalized opposition," including nationalist secular groups that revolted against Assad.
• It's described as "Ahmed's government," indicating a highly centralized power structure.

Al-Hara's Motives and Goals

• Jes believes that al-Hara is trying to convince Germany, France, and the United States that his government is inclusive.
• Al-Hara's aim is to lift the sanctions on Syria, which have devastated the Syrian economy.
• 90% of Syrians live in poverty, and 75% need humanitarian aid.
• Jes argues that despite the appearance of inclusiveness, a "one strongman rule" is emerging, with al-Hara controlling key positions from Mayors to Governors to security and intelligence.

Sanctions and International Perception

• European governments would like to lift the sanctions but need to be convinced that the government is not only inclusive but can also deliver on security, stability, prevent the export of radical ideologies, and welcome Syrian refugees.
• The formation of the government is seen as "a good step in the right direction," but its effectiveness remains to be seen.

Notable Quotes

• Faas Jes: "In one in two words it's a mixed bag."
• Faas Jes: "What we are seeing in Syria is really a strong man Ahmed Shar emerging."
• Faas Jes: "This is Ahmed's government."

Technical Terms and Concepts

• Transitional Government: A temporary government established during a political transition, often after a conflict or regime change.
• Sanctions: Economic or political penalties imposed on a country to force a change in policy.
• Token Representation: The practice of including members of minority groups in a government or organization without giving them real power or influence.
• Strongman Rule: A form of government in which a single individual holds absolute power, often through authoritarian means.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The formation of the new transitional government in Syria under Ahmed al-Hara is a complex development. While it presents a more inclusive face with representation from various ethnic and religious communities, concerns remain about the concentration of power in al-Hara's hands and the exclusion of key opposition groups like the SDF. The primary goal appears to be the lifting of international sanctions, but the true test will be whether the government can deliver on security, stability, and address the dire humanitarian situation in Syria. The international community, particularly European nations, is cautiously optimistic but requires concrete evidence of genuine reform and inclusivity before considering lifting sanctions.