Faysal al-Mekdad: Assad's Last Foreign Minister

Faysal al-Mekdad was born in 1952 in Daraa — the same city that would become the cradle of the Syrian revolution six decades later. He pursued a diplomatic career in the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, rising over decades to become Deputy Foreign Minister in 2006.

As Deputy Foreign Minister, he became one of Syria's most prominent international spokesmen during the uprising and the war. He appeared frequently on international television, at the UN General Assembly, and at diplomatic conferences, consistently delivering the Assad government's position: that Syria was fighting terrorism, that the opposition was backed by foreign powers, that chemical weapons allegations were fabrications, and that Syria's sovereignty was being violated by those who criticized it.

He was present as the Syrian government's chief negotiator and senior diplomat at the failed Geneva II talks in January-February 2014. He presented an agenda that refused any discussion of political transition, insisting on focusing on 'terrorism' — a position that UN mediator Lakhdar Brahimi said made negotiations impossible.

When Walid al-Muallem died in November 2020 after serving as Foreign Minister since 2006, Faysal al-Mekdad was appointed Foreign Minister. He continued in the role until Assad fled Damascus on December 8, 2024.

As Foreign Minister, Mekdad continued denying chemical weapons use even as the OPCW confirmed multiple incidents. He represented Syria in discussions about Arab League readmission (Syria rejoined in May 2023) while simultaneously the Assad government continued military operations in Daraa and other areas.

After the fall of Assad, Mekdad was among the senior regime officials who disappeared from public life. His precise location and legal status as of 2025 were unclear, but he was on international watch lists as a potential suspect for crimes against humanity.