Mohammed Ghazi al-Jalali met with rebel leader Abu Mohamed al-Golani, who now uses his real name, Ahmad al-Shareh, to discuss the creation of a government that provides services to the Syrian population
Former Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi al-Jalali agreed, this Monday (9), to transfer power to the “government of salvation”, led by the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which overthrew the regime. The information was released by the Reuters agency, citing the broadcaster Al Arabiya. The rebels, in turn, signaled in favor of forming a transitional government.
This Monday, Mohammed Ghazi al-Jalali met with the leader of the rebels, Abu Mohamed al-Golani, who now uses his real name, Ahmad al-Shareh, to discuss the creation of a government that provides services to the Syrian population. . According to a statement from the group, Mohammed al-Bashir, former head of a rebel administration in northwestern Syria and possible candidate for leader of the future government, also participated in the meeting.
Although the rebels have some experience in administering smaller territories under their control, al-Golani emphasized that “one cannot completely ignore the previous state.” This statement was made during the meeting with al-Jalali, according to images published on the rebel leadership’s Telegram channel.
In the video, al-Golani states that, although “Idlib is a small region with limited resources, local authorities have a great capacity to start over from scratch.” In turn, al-Jalali declared his willingness to collaborate with any leadership chosen by the people and with the process of transition of power.
The salvation government, planned in 2017, has ministries, departments, as well as judicial and security authorities, with the aim of serving the population of Idlib, devoid of government services in the rebel enclave. Local authorities recently expanded basic services such as water supply, communications and electricity to Aleppo, Syria’s second largest city, after capturing the region during a rapid intervention.
New government in Damascus
A day after the rebel coalition took over Syria’s capital, immediate efforts were directed to restoring order and filling the vacuum left by the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. This Monday, the new leaders sought to establish stability and security in the government institutions under their control.
The rebels’ military leadership declared on Telegram that their forces were “finalizing control of the capital and preserving public property.” Furthermore, they announced the formation of a transitional government, although they did not specify the leader. Local reports point to Mohammed al-Bashir as the likely name to lead this initial phase.
Syria’s new administrators focused efforts on practical actions to ensure continuity and avoid chaos. Despite reports of looting at government offices and homes before and during the rebels’ entry into Damascus, rebel fighters were deployed to protect public buildings and organize traffic in the city. Images posted on social media showed security officers patrolling the streets, reinforcing the sense of order.
Syria’s former state news agency, once a mouthpiece for the Assad regime, has changed its name and started using the green, white and black rebel flag. On Monday, the agency published decrees calling on employees in the oil, health and transport sectors to return to work, in addition to announcing a general amnesty for military personnel who served the regime.
Avoid the chaos of the past
The new government seeks to avoid the mistakes seen in other Arab countries during regime changes, such as Libya in 2011 and Iraq in 2003, where looting and international disputes resulted in years of violence and disorder.
While Hayat Tahrir al-Sham controls Damascus and most of the country, the south is dominated by another group, and the northeast by Kurdish forces reinforced by the US. Even so, the main coalition seems to have managed to rally the other groups behind its direction of preservation institutions and avoid revenge.
Signs of cooperation also emerged. The Syrian Embassy in Russia rushed the rebel flag, and the Syrian Foreign Ministry announced that it will continue to provide services to citizens abroad.
Challenges and reconstruction
Despite their optimism, the new leaders face complex questions about Syria’s political future. Exiled activists are returning to the country to influence the transition process. Mouaz Moustafa, director of the Syrian Emergency Task Force, highlighted the need to protect minorities and restore essential services such as electricity and water. He plans to meet with a new leadership to collaborate on the country’s continuity.
International Recognition and Support
It is still uncertain whether foreign governments will reflect on the transitional government, which would bring legitimacy and unlock humanitarian aid. Many countries, including the US, classify Hayat Tahrir al-Sham as a terrorist organization. However, the UK is willing to remove the group from its list of banned organizations, while France and the US are considering possible dialogues.
Turkey, with historical ties to the rebel group, emerges as a key player. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized the need for inclusion, protection of minorities and preservation of state institutions. Arab governments, on the other hand, maintain a cautious stance. Egypt said it will work with regional partners to support Syria at this delicate time, avoiding repeated tragedies in other countries.
*Report produced with the help of AI
Published by Carol Santos
