On December 20, 2024, the Syrian Salvation Government (SSG), linked to Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), appointed Aisha Al-Debs as head of the Office for Women's Affairs.
This move aims to address concerns about women's status under the new regime, especially following controversial remarks by HTS spokesman Obaida Arnaout, who suggested women are unsuited for certain societal roles.
Al-Debs, the first woman in the transitional government, has a background in humanitarian work but shares views with Arnaout on women's roles, advocating for partnership rather than equality. Her extremist views include support for Hamas and criticism of the U.S., which she labels as "murderers" over its support for Israel.
She has expressed admiration for Hamas's actions and called for the demise of Israel and Arab regimes, asserting that the U.S. will play a role in Israel's destruction. Al-Debs' statements and affiliations raise serious concerns about the future of women's rights and governance in the new Syrian political landscape.