Structural Challenges of the Transitional Government in Syria
April 14, 2025, 2:22 pm

Structural Challenges of the Transitional Government in Syria

Dr. Abdullah Turkmani

The announcement of the formation of the transitional government is considered an important step toward rebuilding the new Syrian state. Despite the positive aspects of having young individuals with academic qualifications in the government compared to the previous caretaker government, the administration seems determined to stick to its motto "Those who liberate decide," proclaimed at the "Victory Conference," by solidifying its leadership during this phase and ensuring that the keys remain in its hands, as it controls nine ministries, including the sovereign ones (defense, foreign affairs, interior, and justice), seven of which are from the rescue government in Idlib, some of whom are listed on terrorist lists. This raises concerns about empowering its own agenda, which does not respond to the challenges facing Syrians amidst complex realities both internally and externally.

The promises made by the ministers will be tested, especially after the restructuring and expansion of some of their sectors, which may impact the essence of their work and their ability to meet the requirements for economic and social viability.

On the other hand, there is a national and sectarian diversity in the ministerial composition; however, it does not reflect a true representation of democratic-leaning intellectual and political currents. In times when we need national reconciliations to rebuild the third Syrian republic, discussing a "technocratic government" cannot be viewed as a realization of these reconciliations. It appears that its mission is to implement the instructions of the transitional phase head, and it is facilitated by the nine ministers forming an influential bloc to carry out these directives.

The new government faces numerous internal tasks, the foremost of which is alleviating the burdens of living on citizens. The decision by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to establish a “General Secretariat for Political Affairs” to manage political life is seen as a precursor to limiting public freedoms and a preemptive confiscation of the law governing the formation of parties and civil society organizations under the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor. This may lead us back to the practices of the overthrown authoritarian regime rather than preparing for a democratic transition that ensures the freedom and dignity that characterized the outbreak of the Syrian revolution in March 2011.

Moreover, the statement by Fatwa Council member Sheikh Naeem Arqsousi, regarding the council's role to "monitor laws and the decisions of ministers and other decisions that may be issued by officials which could contradict Islamic jurisprudence," reflects a vision that poses a challenge to the future of the political transition process, although his subsequent assertion that he expresses his personal opinion does not negate this challenge.

Despite all the aforementioned issues, the government has urgent internal tasks ahead, primarily to reduce the cost of living for citizens. The World Food Program reported at the end of 2024 that around 13 million Syrians suffer from food insecurity. The gravity of this situation lies in the fact that increasing poverty creates an environment suitable for threatening civil peace, making it the government’s primary duty to unite all components of Syrian society under the banner of inclusive Syrian nationalism. This could involve initiating an independent transitional justice body to mitigate security chaos against citizens in the coastal regions and to open avenues for rebuilding trust among all components of the Syrian people.

In terms of foreign policy, there are numerous challenges, stemming from an evolving Middle Eastern system, in addition to the international community's demands placed upon the new administration.

It is too early to pass premature judgments on the government, as the Syrian people are waiting to see the implementation of the visions and programs announced by the president and ministers.

Will we respond to the major risks recently pointed out by Mr. Ayman Al-Asfari, especially concerning the monopolization of power, the dominance of religion over politics, and foreign leaders controlling key positions in the military and security sectors? And what about the roadmap he announced for a new Syria reaching the levels of Singapore and Malaysia?

We need to believe that the state must be a public space for all citizens governed by mutually agreed-upon law, implying that competent, national, and credible individuals should be prioritized over those who claim allegiance, even if some are alleged to hold university degrees.

In any case, it is undoubtedly premature to issue value judgments on the government; the Syrian people are awaiting the realization of the visions and programs announced by the president and ministers. They hope that the transitional leadership recognizes the necessity of moving away from ideological alignments toward cooperation, aiming to leverage all available human and economic resources to rebuild the future of Syria.

Abdullah Turkmani

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.