Despite the formation of a new government under interim president Ahmed al-Sara, concerns were immediately raised by those who oppose this political initiative. Specifically, the Kurds, who control large swathes of northern and northeastern Syria, questioned the legitimacy of the new government formed by the Islamist coalition that ousted Bashar al-Assad on December 8, 2024. The autonomous Kurdish administration stated in a related announcement, “The announced government strongly resembles the previous one since it continues to ignore Syrian diversity.” They added, “A government that does not reflect the diversity and pluralism of the country cannot ensure sound governance. Consequently, we do not consider ourselves bound by decisions emanating from this government.” In his speech on Saturday (March 29, 2025), when he announced the composition of the government, Ahmed al-Sara said his intention was to build a ‘strong and stable state.’ The cabinet consists of 23 ministers, most of whom are Sunni Arabs. Only one is Kurdish, and he does not hail from the territories controlled by the autonomous Kurdish administration. While the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Hid Kabawat, belongs to Syria’s Christian community, key positions have been given to close allies of Sara. The Kurdish administration agreed in mid-March to integrate its institutions into the state. However, some analysts fear this agreement may become ‘dead letter’ because the Kurds, representing 15% of the population, had already criticized the constitutional declaration granting extensive powers to President Sara for five years. Satisfaction from Ankara Meanwhile, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed earlier today the formation of the transitional government in Syria. In its statement, it noted, “This step, following the National Dialogue Conference and the announcement of the constitutional declaration, demonstrates the Syrian government’s willingness to promote the political transition process under Syrian leadership and ownership with understanding and without exclusions.” Turkey will continue to support, according to the statement, “the inclusive and comprehensive political process, which is one of the cornerstones for establishing security and stability in Syria.” Finally, Ankara calls on the international community “in this critical period” to focus efforts on stabilizing Syria, emphasizing that “it is important to lift sanctions unconditionally and begin reconstruction of the country.”