Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced the formation of a National Security Council to address national security issues. The council, which did not exist under Bashar al-Assad, will coordinate security and political policies as Syria seeks to stabilize following a prolonged civil war. Despite these efforts, recent violence poses significant challenges ahead.
On Wednesday, Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced the establishment of a National Security Council, as revealed by the President’s office. This council is expected to oversee significant national security decisions as well as address the challenges confronting the state. It signifies a new approach to governance following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, under whose regime such a body did not exist.
This newly formed council will be chaired by President Sharaa and is primarily tasked with the coordination and management of the country’s security and political strategies. The initiative comes in response to over thirteen years of civil conflict and aims to consolidate national authority while disbanding armed factions and facilitating the nation’s reconstruction. However, the execution of these objectives is complicated by ongoing violence against civilians.
Reports from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights indicate that approximately 1,400 civilians have fallen victim to actions taken by security forces and associated groups, particularly following assaults from pro-Assad gunmen. Although Syria’s authorities have declared the conclusion of operations against Assad loyalists, the region continues to struggle with violence.
President Sharaa, whose affiliation with the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group stems from Al-Qaeda’s Syrian branch, has pledged to safeguard the rights of Syria’s diverse religious and ethnic communities. This promise follows HTS’s successful ousting of Assad in December, signifying a potential shift in governance and protection for various groups.
The official decree pertaining to the National Security Council underscores its purpose: “to enhance national security and respond to security and political challenges in the coming stage.” The council will comprise the ministers of foreign affairs, defense, interior, alongside the head of the intelligence agency. Additionally, Sharaa will appoint two advisory members and a technical expert, with meetings convening at the president’s discretion to address pertinent national security matters.
The formation of Syria’s National Security Council under interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa represents an essential step in addressing the country’s long-standing security challenges. As this council aims to facilitate the coordination of security and political policies, its creation seeks to promote national stability in the aftermath of civil conflict. However, the ongoing violence and challenges faced by various communities will test the efficacy of this new governmental structure.
Original Source: www.france24.com
