Damascus Reshuffles Its Economic Team, Tightening It Around Former Affiliates

In two days, President al-Sharaa split the economy ministry, replaced the head of the Syrian Petroleum Company, and appointed a new chairman for the Sovereign Fund.

This article is part of the October 2026 edition of the Syria Monthly Economic Digest. Click here to explore the full edition.

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa discussing with Minister of Energy Mohammad al-Bashir. Credit: SANA.

Key Developments: On October 19, President Ahmad al-Sharaa issued Presidential Decree No. 189 of 2026 appointing Basel Abdul Azi…