Syria’s newly installed leadership has appointed Asaad Hassan al-Shibani as the country’s foreign minister, the official Syrian news agency (SANA) reported on Saturday. The move comes two weeks after the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad, marking a significant step in the nation’s efforts to rebuild international relations.
The ruling General Command announced the appointment, with a source in the administration describing it as a response to “the aspirations of the Syrian people to establish international relations that bring peace and stability.” Details about Shibani’s background or political stance were not immediately available.
Diplomatic Engagement Under New Leadership
Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has been actively engaging with foreign representatives since taking power. Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani and leader of the rebel coalition Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has hosted high-level discussions with the United Nations’ Syria envoy and senior U.S. diplomats.
In public statements, Sharaa has emphasized his administration’s focus on reconstruction and economic development, asserting a desire to steer clear of further conflict. “Our priority is rebuilding Syria and securing a stable future for its citizens,” Sharaa said during a recent meeting with international envoys.
Shift in Power Dynamics
The appointment of Shibani comes as Syria undergoes a dramatic transformation following the December 8 seizure of Damascus by rebel forces. Assad, whose rule spanned over 13 years, fled the capital after sustained fighting, ending his family’s decades-long grip on the country.
Rebel forces, led by Sharaa and his HTS coalition, have since established a three-month caretaker government to stabilize the country. This administration initially operated in Syria’s northwestern province of Idlib, where the HTS had maintained control during the latter stages of the civil war.
The ousting of Assad has been welcomed by many Syrians and the international community, including Western powers. The United States and European nations have expressed cautious optimism about the new leadership’s intentions, while highlighting the need for continued humanitarian support and accountability for war crimes committed during Assad’s rule.
Challenges Ahead
While Sharaa’s leadership has signaled a shift toward diplomacy, significant challenges remain. Syria faces widespread destruction, a fractured society, and an economy in tatters after more than a decade of civil war.
Shibani’s role as foreign minister will be pivotal in navigating these challenges, particularly as the new government seeks to secure international support for reconstruction and address the complex political and humanitarian issues that have defined Syria’s recent history.
