Who is Mohammed al-Bashir? Syria’s new interim PM who has connections to both Assad and the rebels
IndependentDEC 2024
Syria: Mohammed Al-Bashir Tapped as Interim Prime Minister
Above: Armed groups opposed to Bashar al-Assad's regime, led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), took control of the city center of Homs provnce on Dec. 8, 2024. Image copyright: Izettin Kasim/Anadolu via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The incoming Syrian regime has a unique opportunity to modernize both domestic and foreign policies, building on lessons from Assad’s failed promises of reform and the opposition's recent governance experience. Unlike Assad, who maintained authoritarianism and corruption, the new administration can capitalize on pre-existing constitutional proposals, a goodwill relationship with Israel, and Turkish support, to establish an inclusive, democratic country.
Establishment-critical narrative
Syria's future remains uncertain as this Western-backed regime change operation has created a power vacuum rife with challenges. While Israel and Western allies benefit by reducing Iranian and Hezbollah influence, Syria faces fragmentation from internal divisions, Turkey's ambitions, and Israel’s territorial incursions. The rise of Islamist factions like HTS further threatens stability, leaving no clear path to peace or prosperity.