Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has announced the formation of a National Security Council aimed at strengthening national governance and addressing security challenges. The council, which did not exist under Bashar al-Assad, will include several key government ministers and is designed to oversee security and political policy coordination. However, the assembly faces challenges due to ongoing violence and civilian casualties amid the ongoing restitution of national order after the civil war.
On Wednesday, interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria announced the establishment of a National Security Council through a formal decree issued by his office. This council is designed to address national security issues and various challenges faced by the state, marking a significant development in the current governance structure.
The National Security Council, chaired by President Sharaa, will serve a pivotal role in “coordinating and managing security and political policies,” as stated in the presidency’s announcement via a Telegram post. This internal body did not exist during the regime of ousted leader Bashar al-Assad.
The formation of the council aims to bolster national governance, disband militias, and guide the reconstruction of the nation following over 13 years of civil conflict. However, ongoing violence, including a series of executions targeting the Alawite minority, complicates these efforts. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that nearly 1,400 civilians were killed by state forces or their allies.
Sharaa, leader of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group with ties to Al-Qaeda, has pledged to safeguard the rights of Syria’s diverse religious and ethnic populations. The decree emphasized the council’s role in enhancing national security and addressing forthcoming political crises.
Membership of the National Security Council will include ministers of foreign affairs, defense, the interior, and the head of intelligence. Additionally, two advisory members and a technical expert appointed by Sharaa will contribute expertise. The council is expected to convene periodically or at the discretion of the president to deliberate on necessary decisions regarding national security.
The announcement of Syria’s National Security Council reflects a significant reshaping of the country’s approach to governance and security. With a focus on addressing national challenges and safeguarding minority rights, the council intends to play a critical role in the nation’s reconstruction post-civil war. However, ongoing violence presents substantial obstacles to achieving these objectives, as indicated by recent reports of civilian casualties. Enhancing national stability while dealing with internal strife remains a pressing concern for the interim government under Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Original Source: www.france24.com
