The First Sabri al-Asali government was the fifty-first government in the history of modern Syria and the seventh administration of the Second Syrian Republic. Formed on 1 March 1954, it was the first government established following the overthrow of Adib Shishakli and the restoration of Hashim al-Atassi to complete his constitutional term as president. It was also the eighth government to serve during al-Atassi's second presidency.
The government was conceived as a government of national unity, bringing together representatives of Syria's major political parties and factions in the aftermath of the collapse of the Shishakli regime. Although broad-based in composition, it was intended as a temporary administration, with its principal task being the organisation and supervision of parliamentary elections as part of the country's return to constitutional rule.
Despite its transitional character, the government soon became embroiled in disputes with senior military leaders, particularly over the organisation and control of the Ministry of Defence. These disagreements undermined the cabinet's position and ultimately led to its resignation after approximately three months in office. Its brief tenure reflected the continuing tensions between civilian politicians and the armed forces that characterised Syrian politics during the period.
Composition
See also Council of Ministers (Syria) List of Syrian governments Government ministries of Syria List of prime ministers of Syria
References