InsideMENA - Syria Forms New Transitional Government

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Hello ESTers, how have you been?

This is the Observatory, and here is InsideMENA, the EST’s bimonthly newsletter that uncovers the latest news from the Middle East and North Africa touching upon the EU’s interests and beyond, as well as a light dose of culture pills you can find at the end.

With the end of Ramadan, millions of Muslims celebrated Eid al-Fitr, which falls on the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. Eid al-Fitr (or عيد الفطر in Arabic) means ‘festival of breaking the fast’ and it is celebrated across the MENA region. From the Observatory, we wish a blessed Eid for all people who celebrate and hope it will bring peace, relief, and tranquillity.

عيد مبارك، كل عام و أنتم بخير

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Edited by Hafssa Fakher Elabiari and Sibilla Gosso

Note that the information, views and opinions set out in the newsletter are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of the editors, of the European Student ThinkTank, and of their affiliated-entities or institutions.

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Syria Forms New Transitional Government

By Hannah

The current interim President of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has announced the formation of a transitional government aimed at rebuilding Syria’s public institutions and managing the country until elections can be held, which he believes could take up to five years. Al-Sharaa has been under pressure to ensure that the new government is inclusive and representative of Syrian society, particularly after the recent killings of hundreds of Alawite civilians along Syria’s western coast.

In his effort to create a balanced government, al-Sharaa has formed a cabinet of 23 ministers, claiming to involve religious and ethnic minorities while rejecting a quota system. Among the appointees, Yarub Badr, an Alawite, has been named transportation minister; Amgad Badr, a member of the Druze community, will lead the agriculture ministry; and Hind Kabawat, a Christian woman, has been appointed social affairs and labour minister, becoming the first woman in the new interim government.

Yet, al-Sharaa has not appointed a Prime Minister, raising questions about whether this is part of an attempt to monopolise power. Regardless, both al-Sharaa and the new interim government face multiple challenges if Syria is to achieve stability, security and equality.

Erdoğan Knocks Ekrem Imamoğlu out

By Hafssa

A political earthquake. It all started when Türkiye’s telecommunications authority restricted bandwidth and blocked access to social media platforms for nearly 48 hours. While this is not a new tactic, many, including myself, were asking: What is happening? I tuned in to the government-controlled channel TRT Haber, and then – boom… Ekrem Imamoğlu, the mayor of Istanbul and Erdoğan’s main political rival, was arrested. The charges were severe: diploma falsification, corruption and terrorism (yes, you read that correctly). The police surrounded Imamoğlu’s house, almost as though he were a notorious criminal. A few days later, the mayor was ousted and his degree was annulled.

Wrong time for bold moves. Erdoğan’s move came at a time when widespread anger was bubbling among a significant portion of the Turkish population, particularly the youth born in the 2000s. Inflation is soaring (1 USD equals 38 TL), and the government appears less concerned than the citizens struggling to make ends meet. The secular youth, in particular, is tired of Erdoğan and the AKP folks; they crave change and see that change embodied in Imamoğlu. Regardless of where the truth lies, the president risks alienating the secular constituency, deepening the secular-religious rift that has long characterised Turkish society.

What does Erdoğan want? While it is true that Imamoğlu's arrest caught many by surprise, it has long been anticipated. Erdoğan understands that the CHP (Republican People’s Party) has learned from its mistakes in the 2023 presidential election and that Imamoğlu is likely to defeat the AKP in the next elections, which are scheduled three years from now. For the president, known for his political agility, reshuffling the opposition à sa manière is essential if he is to secure another AKP victory. That said, the mayor (or ex-mayor) enjoys immense support, and regardless of the court’s verdict, his supporters are likely to rally behind him.

Western reactions. If the Trump Administration deemed the political controversy a “domestic issue,” the EU has been walking on eggshells, condemning Erdoğan’s actions while ensuring it does not harm EU-Türkiye relations. Eventually, a political scandal is not worth breaking off with Ankara, especially amidst the war in Ukraine and the uncertain trajectory of the Middle East.

Leaked War Plans and Ongoing Bombing of Yemen

By Giulia

Nothing but a fiasco. The US government is grappling with a serious security blunder. The Atlantic has revealed that, before the US strikes on Yemen on March 15th, senior Trump administration officials accidentally included the newspaper’s editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, in a Signal group chat. The chat, which involved high-ranking officials like Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, National Security Adviser Michael Waltz, and Vice President J.D. Vance, contained sensitive discussions on military strategy, target selection, and risk assessments regarding the impending strikes. This is not the first instance of US military information being mishandled. However, the accuracy of the information shared in the group chat has led Democratic lawmakers to call for an investigation.

Bombing Sanaa. Beyond the US implications, the strikes mark a major escalation in an already volatile region. Over 40 targets in Houthi-controlled areas, including residential neighbourhoods, key infrastructure and Sanaa International Airport, were hit in response to renewed Houthi threats against Red Sea shipping. However, the strikes come amid growing tensions over Israel’s blockade of Gaza, with the Houthis positioning themselves as prominent players in the broader conflict. Houthi media reported at least 57 deaths and widespread damage, though Washington has remained tight-lipped on the matter, apart from its internal security dilemma. Meanwhile, the United Nations has issued a stark warning that the region is on the brink, with the risk of a full-scale war escalating by the day.

Tunisia Today: Political Shifts and Public Discontent

By Laura

A Boiling Point. Tunisia is witnessing a surge in protests, driven by dissatisfaction with economic conditions and President Kais Saied's political decisions. One of the most mobilised groups is recent graduates who are finding it increasingly impossible to find a job. Citizens have voiced concerns over rising inflation, regional disparities, and public sector struggles. While many are calling for reforms, the protests reflect a broader desire for improved living conditions and a more responsive government.

A Rollercoaster of Dismissals. Amid this deepening political and economic crisis, President Kais Saied has dismissed his third prime minister in less than two years, Kamel Maddouri. Saied has appointed Sara Zaafarani as the new prime minister in hopes of addressing the country’s economic woes and political instability. However, the frequent reshuffling of leadership raises concerns about the effectiveness of these changes in solving the underlying issues.

EU Response to the Sudanese Crisis

By EST Contributor

What’s happening? Sudan is undergoing a major government transition amid the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). In light of this, significant changes are being made to the country’s internal politics and constitution. In February 2025, the Transitional Sovereignty Council and the Cabinet approved amendments to the 2019 Constitutional Declaration. Meanwhile, the RSF and their allied groups have taken steps to establish a parallel government in areas under their control. The capital Khartoum remains the central goal of all factions, making it the focal point of the conflict. As of March 27, the Sudanese military reported significant gains, claiming to have expelled RSF forces from the capital.

EU’s Commitment to Sudan. In response to this crisis, the EU has voiced serious concern regarding Sudan’s political developments, particularly the RSF’s move to form a parallel government. In a press release on March 11th, the EU called for an immediate and durable ceasefire, as well as the establishment of a monitoring mechanism to ensure compliance and restore some form of government stability. Brussels also condemned the violations of international humanitarian law by all parties involved in the conflict, stressing the need to protect civilians and guarantee access to food, healthcare and relief. Additionally, the EU has adopted restrictive measures to end the conflict, preventing the obstruction of humanitarian assistance, and dealing with the culture of impunity.

The EU reiterated its commitment to Sudan’s unity and territorial integrity, and together with other neighbo u ring African countries, emphasised that the RSF's actions risk partitioning the country and jeopardising the democratic aspirations of the Sudanese people. This proves the EU’s continued interest in the region, specifically regarding political stability in countries like Sudan and its neighbours.

Now, a bit of culture…

In this section, we uncover some of the most listened and watched musicians, writers or YouTubers of the MENA or new publications, articles or books either from or on the region. If you have any suggestions, you’re always welcome to tell us via our email!

Recounting the Libyan conflict. While academic literature is abundant on the Libyan conflict, it is rare for a diplomat with firsthand experience in Libya to publish a comprehensive account. Former UN envoy Stephanie T. Williams draws on her extensive diplomatic expertise to examine the origins of the Libyan conflict and the dynamics that hindered UN-led peace efforts. In her forthcoming book, Libya Since Qaddafi: Chaos and the Search for Peace, Williams argues that Libya’s fragmentation is far from random, offering practical solutions for achieving unity. The book is particularly relevant for academics and students interested in diplomacy and conflict studies.

A short film. Three years before the formation of today’s Sudan and South Sudan, Mona, a former singer from the north, hires a woman from the south to work as a maid. The woman, a widow, is unaware that Mona is responsible for the death of her husband. As tensions rise, their lives become entangled in secrets, lies and guilt. Through Goodbye Julia, Mohamed Kordofani explores the rift between northern and southern communities, offering a powerful reflection on Sudan’s current struggle for peace and unity.

Let the MENA Speak

On March 31st and April 1st, millions of Muslims celebrated Eid al-Fitr. Here are different ways to wish your Muslim friend or colleague a happy Eid.

Arabic: عيد مبارك (Eid Mubarak)

Farsi: عید مبارک (Eid Mubarak)

Turkish: Bayramımız Mübarek Olsun or Iyi Bayramlar

For any questions or suggestions, don’t hesitate to reach us out at [email protected]!

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