Syria’s National Dialogue, a pivotal moment in the country’s transition following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad in December, concluded on Tuesday after a one-day conference. The gathering, which was announced only on Sunday, left many potential participants with little time to prepare, yet it marked a significant step toward shaping Syria’s future. The conference culminated in a statement that laid the groundwork for drafting a new constitution, emphasizing the importance of freedom of expression, human rights, and unity. Among the attendees was Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who called on Syrians to “stand united and hand in hand to heal the wounds and wash away the pains after decades of dictatorship.” The event highlighted the complex challenges and opportunities facing Syria as it navigates a post-Assad era.
One of the key outcomes of the National Dialogue was the push for a new constitution, a move widely anticipated given the rejection of the al-Assad family’s decades-long rule and the Baath party’s dominance. The constitution’s nature will reveal much about Syria’s future, particularly amid lingering doubts about al-Sharaa’s intentions due to his past affiliation with al-Qaeda. However, al-Sharaa has sought to distance himself from his previous ties and has avoided divisive rhetoric. Delegates at the Dialogue were divided into working groups focusing on topics such as the constitution, freedoms, the economy, and civil society. Houda Atassi, a member of the Preparatory Committee for the National Dialogue, announced that the committee had called for a “temporary constitutional declaration” and a “temporary legislative council” to guide the country’s transition. The draft constitution aims to achieve a balance of power, establish justice, freedom, and equality, and lay the foundation for a state governed by law and institutions. Yet, with only days left before the March 1 deadline for a new transitional government, the specifics of how the constitution will take shape remain unclear.
The conference also addressed pressing issues of sovereignty, particularly in relation to Israel’s actions in Syria. The closing statement strongly condemned Israel’s moves as a “blatant violation of Syrian sovereignty,” referring to Israel’s establishment of a buffer zone near the Golan Heights, a region illegally occupied by Israel since 1967. Israel has expanded its presence beyond the buffer zone, seizing areas such as Mount Hermon and conducting repeated bombings of military sites, including overnight raids on the eve of the conference. The National Dialogue demanded the “immediate and unconditional withdrawal” of Israeli forces from Syria and rejected Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s threat to prevent Syrian military forces from operating in southern Syria. Additionally, the conference criticized Israel’s attempts to exploit sectarian tensions by offering protection to Syria’s minority Druze community, many of whom reside in the south. The Dialogue reaffirmed the “unity of the Syrian Arab Republic” and its sovereignty over all territories, rejecting any form of fragmentation or division. Meanwhile, Syria’s new government has engaged in discussions with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a U.S.-backed, Kurdish-led group controlling much of northeastern Syria. The SDF has been hesitant to disarm and seeks some form of autonomy, which the central government opposes.
The closing statement of the National Dialogue also highlighted the importance of rights and freedoms, calling for the protection of women’s roles in all fields and rejecting discrimination based on race, religion, or sect. It opposed ethnic or religious quotas in government, a stance aligning with al-Sharaa’s earlier positions. However, the status of women in the new government remains uncertain. While al-Sharaa and other officials have expressed support for women’s active roles in society, some ministers have made controversial statements. For instance, Aisha al-Dibs, head of the Women’s Affairs Office in the caretaker government, suggested that women should not “go beyond the priorities of their God-given nature” and should focus on their “educational role in the family.” These remarks drew criticism, but Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani promptly clarified that the new authorities believe in women’s active participation in society. The Dialogue also emphasized the need to protect freedoms such as opinion and expression, marking a stark departure from the Assad regime, under which Syrians were frequently imprisoned for their speech. Additionally, the statement addressed transitional justice, calling for accountability for crimes while rejecting violence, incitement, and revenge. Recent reports of revenge attacks against individuals linked to the Assad regime in cities like Homs have underscored the urgency of addressing these issues.
Questions about the National Dialogue’s rushed organization arose even before the event began. Many invitations were sent at the last minute, leaving some participants scrambling to attend. Opposition politician George Sabra, who lives in exile in France, revealed on social media that he received his invitation on February 23, just two days before the event. Critics argue that the lack of preparation and clarity reflects broader concerns about the transition process, particularly regarding the timeline for elections and the extent of democratic pluralism in the new Syria. Doubts about representation on the preparatory committee also surfaced, with some worried about the inclusivity of the process. Despite these challenges, approximately 600 Syrians attended the Dialogue, and many view it as a crucial step toward building a new, democratic Syria free from decades of dictatorship.
In conclusion, Syria’s National Dialogue represents a fragile yet hopeful moment in the country’s transition. While the conference achieved important milestones, such as advancing constitutional reforms and addressing sovereignty and rights issues, significant challenges lie ahead. The rushed nature of the event and lingering questions about representation and inclusivity highlight the complexities of building a pluralistic democracy after decades of authoritarian rule. As Syria approaches the March 1 deadline for a new transitional government, the international community will closely watch how the country navigates these challenges. For Syrians, the stakes are even higher, as the outcomes of this process will shape their future and determine whether the nation can achieve unity, justice, and freedom after years of conflict and suffering. The journey ahead will require patience, compromise, and a shared commitment to rebuilding a nation torn apart by dictatorship and war.
