Riyad Farid Hijab

Riyad Farid Hijab, born in 1966, is a notable Syrian politician and engineer who held the position of Prime Minister of Syria for a brief period from June to August 2012 under President Bashar al-Assad. His political career began to gain prominence when he served as the Minister of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform from 2011 to 2012, where he focused on agricultural policies during a tumultuous time in Syria.

On August 6, 2012, Hijab was dismissed from his role as Prime Minister, a decision announced by the Syrian government. Shortly after, he made headlines by defecting to the Syrian opposition amidst the ongoing civil war. This pivotal moment marked a significant shift in his career, as he became a prominent figure in the opposition.

With the help of the Free Syrian Army, Hijab successfully escaped to Jordan, accompanied by forty-five members of his extended family. His defection not only highlighted his break from the Assad regime but also positioned him as a key player in the exiled opposition.

Following his escape, Hijab took on a leadership role as the General Coordinator of the High Negotiations Committee from 2015 to 2017, where he worked towards negotiating a resolution to the Syrian conflict and advocating for the rights of the Syrian people.