Latest news with #DamascusUniversity
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Syria's Druze divided as sectarian tensions linger after violence
Instability has plagued Syria in the past two weeks after fighting broke out in two of Damascus's suburbs and a southern governorate, drawing in government forces and non-state armed factions. Using the unrest as a pretext, Israel also launched attacks on several locations in Syria. The fighting and the Israeli attacks add to the difficulties faced by Syria's new government – which only came to power after the fall of longtime dictator Bashar al-Assad – as it attempts to rebuild Syria after nearly 14 years of war. The violence of that war has not fully subsided. Instead, the recent fighting has taken on a sectarian character, though locals also told Al Jazeera that some actors were motivated by power as they try to carve out spheres of influence in the new recent clashes began on April 28 in the town of Jaramana, on the outskirts of Damascus, before spreading to nearby Ashrafiyat Sahnaya and the southern governorate of Sweida, where many of the country's Druze population live. All of the areas have significant Druze populations, and the violence began after attackers were incensed by a blasphemous audio recording criticising the Prophet Muhammad, attributed to a religious leader from the minority group. The religious leader denied the recording was in his voice, and an investigation by Syria's Ministry of the Interior has concurred. But it mattered little, as fighting between local armed Druze groups and outsiders began. The violence was followed by several Israeli attacks, including one near Syria's presidential palace in Damascus. Syria's government called it a 'dangerous escalation'. Israel's military has struck Syria hundreds of times since the fall of al-Assad, while Syria has yet to retaliate and has indicated that it has been involved in non-direct talks with Israel to calm the situation. Israel has attempted to portray its latest attacks in Syria as evidence that it is a defender of the Druze, many of whom live in Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a joint statement with Defense Minister Israel Katz, saying the attack was 'a clear message to the Syrian regime: We will not allow [Syrian] forces to deploy south of Damascus or any threat to the Druze community.' But many officials in Syria's Druze community have expressed an openness to working with the new authority in Damascus and denied Israel's overtures that claim to protect them. Sources told Al Jazeera that these recent clashes have not altered that view on Israel. 'Israel is protecting its own interests,' Ali Jarbou, a professor at Damascus University and a member of a prominent Druze family, told Al Jazeera. 'They are not protecting anyone. Not the Druze or anyone else.' Experts have said Israel prefers to have weak states on its borders, and is therefore attacking Syria to weaken the new government and prevent it from exercising its power over the whole country. Allying with regional minority groups may also appear attractive to some in Israel, although a similar strategy in the past, most notably in Lebanon during the 1975-1990 civil war, failed. But the Israeli government is also facing internal pressure to act from its own Druze community, the vast majority of whom are supportive of the Israeli state and serve in the Israeli army, despite being Druze community in the Middle East is split between Lebanon, Syria, Israel, and a small community in Jordan. They have played an influential role across these countries – in Syria, one of the leaders of the country's independence was a famous Druze named Sultan al-Atrash. Syria's Druze are mostly split between the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and Mount Hermon, Sweida (in an area called Jabal al-Druze, or Mountain of the Druze), and a couple of Damascus's suburbs, while there is also a small community near Idlib. Syrians in the occupied Golan Heights live under Israeli authority but most have rejected offers of Israeli citizenship. They've also historically been able to keep ties to Syria, sometimes studying in Damascus or marrying across the border, according to Tobias Lang, director of the Austrian Centre for Peace, who has extensively studied the Druze community in the Levant. The Druze in Syria are, however, 'very fragmented politically', Lang said, due to years of life under the al-Assad dictatorship. 'No distinct Druze leadership was allowed to emerge, and the traditional leadership lost much of its power to the Baathist regime,' he said, referring to the Baath party, which ruled Syria from 1963 to 2024. During the war in Syria, competing voices emerged within the Druze community. Some, like Hikmat al-Hijri, the top Druze religious figure in Syria, initially supported the al-Assad regime. Others, like Wahid al-Balous, founder of the Men of Dignity Movement, split off from the regime much earlier and refused to send local men to die in support of the government. Al-Balous was later assassinated in 2015. Opposition figures blamed the regime. In 2023, when antigovernment protests erupted in Sweida, al-Hijri finally turned against al-Assad and supported the local opposition. Al-Hijri has also been sharply critical of the new Syrian authorities since the outbreak of violence last month, calling the attacks against the Druze a 'genocidal campaign'. 'We no longer trust a group that calls itself a government, because the government doesn't kill its own people through extremist gangs that are loyal to it, and after the massacre claims they are loose forces,' al-Hijri said. The Syrian government has denied any involvement in the attacks on the Druze, and has instead emphasised that its forces have sought to provide security and prevent any further sectarian struck between local actors and the new government at the start of this month have ended the fighting for now. But dozens of people had been killed, many civilians among them. In Jaramana, locals are still on high alert. 'We're scared of our neighbours,' a resident told Al Jazeera, requesting anonymity for fear of retaliation against them or their family. In the early days after the fall of al-Assad, places like Jaramana and Sweida were hesitant to work with the new Syrian government. Local leaders, some of whom are Druze notables, demanded a say in local governance and security matters. But members of the Druze community have now been working with the central authority in Damascus to calm tensions, resolve disputes, and negotiate security arrangements. Some of those agreements will see locals join the new government's internal security force and police their own areas under the central government's authority. Still, locals are on edge after the clashes and fear they could restart. Locals told Al Jazeera that some Syrians, particularly from minority sects like the Druze, have had their faith in the new central authority shaken. 'Trust [in the new government] began to decrease after the events on the coast,' Jarbou said, referring to attacks in early March on Alawite – another minority community – in the coastal region after government forces were attacked. Hundreds were killed, many of them civilians, and while the government quickly announced an investigation into the attacks, the violence provided evidence for those fearful of the new order in Syria. That is perhaps understandable after 14 years of war and more than five decades of brutal dictatorship. 'In other words, we can say that the war hasn't stopped,' Jarbou said, adding that a serious, participatory political solution is needed for the country. Should that not come to pass, the current pattern of clashes and increased communal tensions will only worsen. 'Sedition is raging,' he said. 'It's not that we're afraid of sedition. We're in sedition now.'
Al Bawaba
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Bawaba
Syrian series leads to dismissal and investigation of three officials
Published April 25th, 2025 - 12:04 GMT ALBAWABA - Three Damascus University officials were removed after unauthorized filming of the series "Under the Seventh Earth" sparked major controversy. "Under the Seventh Earth" is a television series that ultimately results in the removal of three Syrian government officials. At Damascus University, three officials have been removed from their positions by an investigating commission of the Syrian government. They were found guilty of assisting the shooting of sequences from the series "Under the Seventh Earth" at its offices without authorization, which is a case that has created enormous controversy during the course of its investigation and prosecution. When the director of the Damascus University Classification Office, Marwan Al-Rai, filed his resignation last month, he did so in protest at the breaching of his office lock and the shooting of scenes from the series there without his approval. This brought the problem to light on the previous month. "Under the Seventh Earth" Al-Rai said that the inquiry committee that was looking into the storming of the classification office in order to shoot the television series during the month of Ramadan carried out the conclusions of the investigation yesterday, Thursday, by removing three directors from their posts at Damascus University. The director of security at the university is one of the directors that was fired, according to Al-Rai, who shared this information on his Facebook account. مدير التصنيف في جامعة دمشق، مروان الراعي، كشف عن أمر غير مستحب، بسبب مسلسل 'تحت سابع أرض' للفنان السوري تيم حسن ومواطنته الممثلة كاريس بشار، والذي تم تصوير أحد مشاهده في داخل مكتبه، مما أدى لضياع أوراق مهمة لها علاقة بملف التقديم إلى اعتمادية الاتحاد الأوروبي. — Souria Post - سوريا بوست (@souriapost) April 6, 2025 He stated that the inquiry demonstrated that the three directors were involved in aiding the admission of the staff of the series and left them alone to break and remove the lock, which led to the loss of university accreditation files in addition to other data. According to him, the investigation established that the three directors were involved. A month ago, Al-Ra'i said that the classification office, whose door was smashed down and the cast entered, had "more than 157,550 pieces of university data and information, in addition to exam papers whose results are awaited by university students." This information was disclosed when Al-Ra'i submitted his resignation. In his letter of resignation, he also gave further information regarding the event, including the fact that the office was emptied of its belongings while the series was being filmed inside. This past Ramadan, the television series "Under the Seventh Earth" was shown. Among the actors who appear in it are Tim Hassan, Karis Bashar, Mona Wassef, Anas Tayara, Joan Khader, Sarah Baraka, Majd Fadda, and Tayseer Idris. The script was written by Omar Abu Saada, and Samer Al-Barqawi was the director of the film. The events that take place in "Under the Seventh Earth" take place in the present day in Syria. They focus on themes of social strife and corruption in a neighborhood in Damascus that is inhabited by people of working-class backgrounds, as well as the suffering of Syrians who are forced to live in very terrible circumstances. © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba (
Rudaw Net
05-04-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Syria's first Kurdish education minister works to bridge gaps with Rojava
Also in Syria Kurdish forces launch anti-ISIS operation in Syria detention camp Syria says Amnesty ignored context in Alawite killings Rojava doctors meet UK health secretary 'We do not exist without the olive tree': Afrin groves still under the axe A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Syria's new education minister, the only Kurd in the cabinet, wants to bridge gaps between the federal education system and the one in northeast Syria (Rojava) that operated independently for 13 years during the civil war. 'The certificates of those who obtained their credentials between 2011 and 2024 should be accepted,' Mohammad Turko told Rudaw's Dilbixwin Dara on Tuesday. Kurdish authorities in Rojava developed their own curriculum in areas they controlled, rejecting the national one in place at the time that they said promoted Baathist ideology. They also promoted Kurdish as a language of instruction for the first time. While acknowledging the technical difficulties of aligning the Rojava curriculum with national standards, Turko vowed to develop a plan for certificate equivalency. The issue has become increasingly urgent for thousands of students in Rojava. Turko explained that recognizing these certificates would allow students from Rojava to enroll in Damascus University and other Syrian institutions. He also pointed to logistical obstacles faced by students in Rojava, who are often forced to travel to distant governorates to sit for baccalaureate exams for grades nine and 12. 'All of them cannot be expected to travel to other governorates to take their exams,' he said. Among his stated priorities are improving teaching quality, rebuilding schools, and integrating more than 2.5 million displaced children back into the education system. On the issue of mother-tongue education, Turko expressed support for cultural and linguistic rights. 'Language is the identity of a nation,' he said, noting that many Kurds would have expectations of him. 'I am the minister for all Syrian children,' he added. 'Every child has the right to learn.' He said that Syria's constitution guarantees language freedoms and framed Kurdish-language education as a cultural right. However, he tempered expectations by noting that practical implementation would require 'work and agreements.' Born in the Kurdish city of Afrin in northwest Syria in 1979, Turko holds a law degree from Damascus University and a doctorate from Leipzig University. He has published extensively on child rights, citizenship, and education, and has taught at several Syrian universities. Turko was appointed Minister of Education and Learning in late March by interim Syrian President Ahmad Sharaa as part of a new 23-member cabinet. The appointments have raised eyebrows, with ethnic and religious communities voicing concern over the lack of consultation. The cabinet includes several controversial figures, including individuals blacklisted by the United Nations and the United States for ties to extremist armed groups. Among them are Anas Khattab, a former intelligence chief named interior minister, and Mazhar al-Wais, a senior Sharia judge from Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), appointed justice minister. 'I am a Kurdish technocrat minister in this government,' Turko said. 'I am not a representative of a political party or political force.'
Rudaw Net
30-03-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Syria's new cabinet draws criticism over controversial appointments
Also in Syria Rojava says won't implement decisions of new 'exclusionary' government in Syria PYD confirms 'serious efforts' for Turkey-SDF ceasefire in northeast Syria Syrian cancer patients face growing crises due to medicine shortages Germany welcomes formation of new Syrian government A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa on Saturday appointed a 23-member cabinet, including four members from minority groups. However, the appointments have raised eyebrows as ethnic and religious groups say they were not consulted during the appointment process. The cabinet also includes figures who have been blacklisted by the UN and the US over ties to extremist armed groups. Following a swift offensive, a coalition of opposition groups led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, headed by Sharaa, in early December toppled the regime of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. Sharaa was appointed as Syria's interim president in late January, after which he vowed to form an 'inclusive transitional government that would reflect Syria's diversity.' Upon announcing the new cabinet, Sharaa on Saturday stated, 'at this historic moment, we mark the beginning of a new phase in our national journey' and 'advance toward the future we deserve with strong will and unwavering resolve.' The sovereign portfolios Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani retained his position in the new cabinet lineup. Born in 1987 in Hasaka, Shaibani holds a Bachelor's in English literature from Damascus University and a Master's in political science and international relations from Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University. He is pursuing a doctorate in International Relations. Shaibani was a founding member of the Idlib-based Syrian Salvation Government in 2017 and served on HTS's Shura council - a traditional Islamic council that provides guidance based on religious principles. Syria's Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra will also continue in his role. A native of Hama province, Abu Qasra was born in 1984. He played a key role in the armed opposition against Assad and the HTS-led offensive that toppled him. He holds a degree in Agricultural Engineering from Damascus University and a master's degree from Idlib University. Sharaa promoted Abu Qasra to Major General in late December. Meanwhile, the ministry of interior has been assigned to Anas Khattab, a senior member of the Syrian opposition and founding member of the al-Nusra Front, which rebranded itself as the Jabhat Fatah al-Sham in 2016 when it split from al-Qaeda, and then again to HTS in 2017, when it merged with other factions. Khattab's name is not far from controversy as he was listed by the UN on its terrorism lists in September 2014 and by the US in December 2012. Another controversial figure that was assigned the Justice portfolio is Mazhar al-Wais. He is a top HTS judge who headed the Sharia Commission in Syria's eastern regions. The commission was established following the split of al-Nusra Front from the Islamic State (ISIS) in 2013. He was one of HTS's religious leaders and headed the Supreme Judicial Council of the Syrian Salvation Government. Ministeries led by minority members Despite a majority Sunni Arab ministers, Sharaa's new cabinet reportedly includes members from other Syrian ethnic and religious components. Mohammad Turko, reportedly a Kurd from the Kurdish-majority city of Afrin in northeast Syria (Rojava), was appointed as minister of education. Born in 1979, Turko holds a law degree from Damascus University and a doctorate from Leipzig University. He has written on child rights, citizenship, and education and has taught at several universities in Syria. Hind Kabawat, a Christian woman, was named Minister of Social Affairs. She holds degrees in economics, law, and a Master's in Law and Diplomacy from Tufts University in the US. Kabawat has been a prominent figure in the Syrian opposition since the 2011 uprising, holding leadership roles in the High Negotiations Committee and Geneva Negotiations Office between 2015 and 2022. Following the 2024 fall of Assad, she became a member of the National Dialogue Conference preparatory committee. Amjad Badr, a Druze, was appointed Minister of Agriculture. Born in 1969, Badr holds a doctorate in Agricultural Economics from Aleppo University. Ya'rub Badr, an Alawite, was named Minister of Transport. Born in 1959, he earned a doctorate in Transportation Sciences from Paris and served as the Regional Advisor for Transport and Logistics at the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). He also served as Syria's Minister of Transport from 2006 to 2011. Despite the inclusion of some ministers from different backgrounds, the Kurdish-led administration in northeast Syria (Rojava) on Sunday criticized Syria's newly-formed government for 'allowing a single faction to maintain control,' saying that the country's ethnic and religious groups were neither involved in nor consulted in the distribution of ministerial portfolios. The Democratic Autonomous Administration in North and East Syria (DAANES) warned that any government that does not represent Syria's plurality will not be able to properly manage the country, stressing that it will not adhere to the decisions of the newly-appointed government. Other ministries The remaining ministers appointed are as follows: Minister of Communications Abdul Salam Haykal holds a degree in Political Science and International Relations from the American University of Beirut (AUB) and the University of London's School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS). Minister of Information Hamza al-Mustafa, born in 1985, holds a degree in political science. He was notably dismissed from his Master's program in Syria during the Assad era over his support for the Syrian uprising. He later earned a master's degree from the Doha Institute and a doctorate in social science from the University of Exeter Minister of Education Marwan al-Halabi, born in 1964, specializes in Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Surgery and has earned postgraduate diplomas from universities in France. A professor at Damascus University, he served as Head of the Department of Anatomy and Editor-in-Chief of the Damascus University Journal for Medical Sciences. Minister of Tourism Mazen al-Salihani, born in 1979, holds postgraduate degrees in Business Administration and Project Management and has led major hotel and resort developments in the Middle East, including in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Syria. Minister of Energy Mohammad al-Bashir, born in 1983, holds a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Aleppo University and a Master's in Sharia and Law from Idlib University. He worked at the Syrian Gas Company before joining the revolution in 2011. He served as Prime Minister in the Syrian Salvation Government and later in the interim government. Minister of Economy Mohammad al-Shaar has worked in financial regulation and international banking and has taught economics at George Washington University. Minister of Local Administration and Environment Mohammad Anjarani, born in 1992, is a mechanical engineering graduate. He joined the Syrian uprising upon its debut and was arrested in 2011. He later held key administrative positions in the Syrian Salvation Government. Minister of Finance Mohammad Barniyeh, born in 1967,is a graduate of Damascus University's Faculty of Economics. He pursued further studies in the US at Kansas State and Oklahoma State universities. He trained at the Federal Reserve Bank in New York and worked as an economist at the Arab Monetary Fund. Minister of Sports Mohammad Hamoud, born in 1976, previously led the national basketball team to the Asian Cup qualifiers. He also worked in developing sports infrastructure in Idlib. Minister of Culture Mohammad Saleh, born in 1985, studied Linguistics at London Metropolitan University and earned a Master's in Translation from Westminster University. He worked in journalism, including at Qatar's al-Jazeera Network. Minister of Religious Endowments Mohammad Shukri, born in 1961, holds a doctorate in Sharia and Law from Beirut. He served as a preacher at Imam al-Shafi'i Mosque in Damascus. Minister of Administrative Development Mohammad Skaf, born in 1990, holds a Master's in Administration and a degree in Applied Mathematics. He has worked in public administration and budget management in northern Syria. Minister of Health Musab al-Ali, born in 1985, is a graduate of Homs University's Faculty of Medicine. He specialized in neurosurgery at Aleppo University before working in Germany. He is currently a consultant neurosurgeon. Minister of Public Works and Housing Mustafa Abdulrazzaq, was born in 1989, is a civil engineering graduate. He has worked in public administration and infrastructure projects in northern Syria. Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management Raed al-Saleh, born in 1984, has a background in business administration. He played a leading role in founding the Syrian Civil Defense (White Helmets) and has represented the organization at major international forums, including the UN Security Council. The premier While heads of ministries have been named, a prime minister has not been appointed as Sharaa is expected to lead the executive branch. In mid-March, Sharaa signed a 53-article constitutional declaration that centers on Islamic jurisprudence, which stipulates that the country's president must be a Muslim, and sets a five-year transitional period for the country. It also maintains the name of the country as the Syrian 'Arab' Republic. The interim constitution further grants Sharaa exclusive executive power, authority to appoint one-third of the legislature, and the ability to appoint judges to the constitutional court, the body responsible for holding him accountable. The constitutional declaration has been criticized by Kurds, Christians, and Druze in Syria for consolidating power in Sharaa's hands and not reflecting the diverse aspirations of the Syrian people. These communities have urged amendments to the interim constitution, warning that they would not participate in the new government without them.
The National
30-03-2025
- Politics
- The National
Who are the key ministers in Syria's new transitional government?
Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara announced a transitional government on Saturday, appointing 23 ministers in a broadened cabinet. The move is seen as a key milestone in the transition from decades of Assad family rule and the improvement of ties with the West. The new cabinet, which is religiously and ethnically mixed, is the first in the country's five-year transitional period and replaces the interim government formed shortly after former president Bashar Al Assad was removed from power in early December. The cabinet does not have a prime minister. Instead it will have a secretary general, as set out in a temporary constitution signed this month by Mr Al Shara, leader of Hayat Tahrir Al Sham, which led the push to overthrow the Assad regime. Foreign Minister: Asaad Al Shibani Mr Al Shibani, 38, previously led the political department of a rebel government in north-west Idlib province. He played a part in creating the Syrian Salvation Government in 2017, alongside Mr Al Shara, formerly known by the nom de guerre Abu Mohammed Al Jawlani. Mr Al Shibani holds a master's degree in political science and international relations from Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University in Turkey. He had been a pursuing a PhD in the same field. Defence Minister: Murhaf Abu Qasra Born in 1984, he graduated from Damascus University in 2008 with a bachelor's degree in agricultural engineering. He joined the armed forces, completing his compulsory military service before the outbreak of Syrian civil war in 2011. He held the rank of first lieutenant, specialising in field artillery. He became involved in the uprising against Mr Al Assad early on and served as an HTS military commander in western Hama province. He led the military wing of HTS for five years, during which he established the Shahin Brigades, a drone unit for the rebel group. Minister of Interior: Anas Khattab Born in 1987, he studied architectural engineering at Damascus University. He joined the Syrian uprising in 2011 and held an administrative role until 2016. He later moved into the security field and founded the General Security Service within the Syrian Salvation Government, which had run much of Idlib since 2017. Mr Khattab led the intelligence service in the Syrian interim government. Minister of Justice: Mazhar Al Wais He was born in 1980 and studied medicine at Damascus University. He also studied Sharia and completed a preliminary master's degree. He was jailed for six years by the Assad regime and joined the uprising after his release, helping to establish a ministry of justice under the rebels in northern Syria. He was a member of the opposition Supreme Judicial Council until HTS led the assault on Damascus last year. Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research: Marwan Al Halabi Mr Al Halabi, born in 1964, holds a postgraduate degree in obstetrics, gynaecology and surgery from Damascus University. He previously served as a professor in the university's faculty of medicine. He also led the Department of Anatomy, Histology, Embryology and Genetics at the institution from 2014 to 2017. Minister of Education: Mohammad Turko Born in 1979, he studied law at Damascus University and received doctorate from Leipzig University in Germany. He previously held teaching positions in the faculties of education and arts in the Syrian Virtual University, Damascus University, Al Sham Private University and the Arab International University. Minister of Finance: Mohammad Barniyeh Born in 1967, he earned a degree in economics from Damascus University and pursued graduate studies in the subject in the US between 1990 and 1994. He held various positions at the Arab Monetary Fund from 2009 to 2024, including director of the economic policies department. He also served as secretary general of the board of governors of Arab Central Banks and secretary general of the Arab Finance Ministers' Council. Minister of Health: Musab Al Ali He was born in 1985 and gained a medical degree at Homs University. He pursued postgraduate studies at Aleppo University, focusing on neurosurgery. He later worked in neurosurgery at hospitals in Germany. Mr Al Ali was recognised in Germany as a specialist in brain, spinal cord and nerve surgery. Minister of Information: Hamza Al Mustafa Born in 1985, he holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Damascus University and a doctorate in social sciences from the University of Exeter in the UK. He worked for the Arab Centre for Research and Policy Studies in Doha, focusing on Syrian studies, and served as secretary for the Arab Policies journal. Mr Al Mustafa also served as an editorial supervisor at Al Araby TV Network in London and general director of Syria TV. Minister of Economy and Industry: Mohammad Al Shaar He previously served as Syria's minister of economy and trade, before leaving cabinet in 2012. He also served as secretary general of the Accounting and Auditing Organisation for Islamic Financial Institutions. Mr Al Shaar worked in the US, including teaching courses at George Washington University. Minister of Social Affairs and Labour: Hind Kabawat Ms Kabawat, the only woman in the new Syrian cabinet, is a member of the country's Christian minority and was a long-time opponent of Mr Al Assad. She was a member of the preparatory committee for the national dialogue conference held in Damascus in February. Minister of Energy: Mohammad Al Bashir Mr Al Bashir was prime minister of Syria's interim government after the downfall of Mr Al Assad. He previously served as head of the Syrian Salvation Government and was minister of development and humanitarian affairs in the authority. Born in Idlib in 1983, Mr Al Bashir is a qualified engineer with a degree in electrical and electronic engineering from the University of Aleppo. He also gained a master's degree in Sharia from the University of Idlib. He joined the uprising against Mr Al Assad in 2011.
