Mohammad al-Atrash

Mohammad al-Atrash is a Syrian economist and independent politician who served as a cabinet minister in different periods.

Early life and education

Al-Atrash was born in Tartus in 1934. He received a bachelor's degree from London School of Economics. He also holds a PhD in economics, which he received from the University of London.

Al-Atrash worked as an advisor to the World Bank. He was the director of Syria at the Bank. After public offices, al-Atrash began to take part in cabinet positions as an independent politician. From 1980 to 1984, he served as economy minister. He resigned from office due to disagreements with then-prime minister Rauf Kasim. He was again named as minister of finance to the cabinet headed by Muhammad Mustafa Mero on 13 December 2001. Al-Atrash's appointment occurred as part of the cabinet reshuffle, and he replaced Khalid Al Mahaini. Al-Atrash's term lasted until 10 September 2003 when he was replaced by Mohammad Al Hussein as finance minister.

Al-Atrash is a moderate socialist and social democrat, believing in controlling the need for change.