Assad appoints fourth prime minister since the start of the uprising

Syrian president Bashar Al-Assad named his minister of health as the new prime minister of his government yesterday, replacing caretaker Omar Ghalaounji who was appointed just three days ago following the defection of Riad Hijab from the regime.

Wael Nader Al-Halqi is thus the fourth incumbent of the post since the start of the uprising 18 months ago, following Mohammed Al-A’tari, Adel Safar, Hijab and Ghalaounji.

Dr. Al-Halqi is the secretary of the Daraa branch of the Baath Arab Socialist Party and has been the head of the Syrian doctors’ association since 2010.