Syria’s new interim prime minister has pledged to work toward the return of millions of refugees, ensure the protection of all citizens, and restore basic services. However, he acknowledged that achieving these goals would be challenging due to the country’s dire financial situation.
“In the coffers, there are only Syrian pounds, which are worth very little. One U.S. dollar buys 35,000 of our currency,” he told Italy’s Il Corriere della Sera. “We have no foreign currency, and as for loans and bonds, we are still gathering data. Financially, we are in very bad shape.”
Bashir, who previously led the rebel-run Salvation Government in a small enclave in northwestern Syria, assumed leadership after a swift 12-day rebel offensive led to the overthrow of longtime President Bashar al-Assad. The operation, spearheaded by the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), marked a dramatic shift in Syria’s ongoing conflict.
U.S. officials, engaging with the rebel leadership, have urged HTS not to impose unilateral control but instead to facilitate an inclusive process for forming a transitional government.
“The new government must commit to respecting the rights of minorities, ensuring the flow of humanitarian assistance, preventing Syria from becoming a hub for terrorism, and avoiding threats to its neighbors,” U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.
HTS, a former al-Qaeda affiliate, has recently sought to downplay its jihadist roots. Bashir, in his brief televised address, stated that he would lead the interim government until March 1. Standing behind him were two flags: the green, black, and white banner used by anti-Assad forces and a white flag bearing the Islamic creed, often associated with Sunni Islamist fighters.
The Challenge of Rebuilding
Rebuilding Syria presents an enormous challenge after a devastating civil war that has left hundreds of thousands dead, cities in ruins, and the economy crippled by international sanctions. The conflict also displaced millions, creating one of the largest refugee crises in recent history. Many still reside in camps, but some have begun returning as European countries pause asylum applications for Syrians.
Ala Jabeer, preparing to cross from Turkey back into Syria with his 10-year-old daughter, spoke of hope despite his personal losses. “God willing, things will be better than under Assad’s government. His oppression is over,” said Jabeer, who lost his wife and three children in last year’s earthquakes. He plans to reunite with his mother in Latakia, who will care for his daughter while he works.
In Damascus, signs of tentative normalcy appeared on Tuesday, with banks reopening for the first time since Assad’s ouster. Shops resumed business, traffic returned to the streets, cleaners were seen sweeping debris, and the presence of armed men was noticeably reduced.
The road ahead for Syria remains fraught with challenges, but for many, the hope of rebuilding their lives offers a glimmer of optimism.
