Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has reaffirmed his commitment to guiding the country through a democratic political transition as historic talks aimed at shaping the nation’s future got underway. On Tuesday, al-Sharaa called on Syrians to come together and support the establishment of a transitional justice body, marking the start of a national dialogue in the capital, Damascus. This dialogue is intended to pave the way for a new political order following years of devastating civil war and the collapse of former President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Al-Sharaa, who leads the ruling Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, emphasized the importance of unity and healing in a post-conflict Syria, while also addressing critical issues such as disarmament and the integration of armed groups into the state.
The meeting, billed as a major step toward democracy and reconstruction, brought together around 600 participants, including representatives from various sectors of Syrian society. Al-Sharaa used the occasion to announce the formation of a transitional justice committee, which he said would focus on holding accountable those responsible for crimes committed during the conflict. He also stressed that the state’s monopoly on weapons was not a luxury but a necessity, reflecting broader efforts to consolidate authority and end the proliferation of armed groups that have dominated parts of the country for years. Additionally, al-Sharaa reiterated his previous calls for the integration of Kurdish-led forces, which have long opposed al-Assad’s regime, into the national army. This move is seen as a step toward greater inclusivity and national unity, though it remains to be seen how these groups will respond.
Despite the significance of the event, the conference has been marred by concerns over its rushed organization and lack of inclusivity. Plans for the gathering were finalized only at the last minute, with invitations sent out while the organizing committee was still engaging with community leaders across Syria. This chaotic planning process led to confusion and criticism, with some invitees expressing frustration at the short notice. For instance, opposition politician George Sabra, who lives in exile in France, revealed that he received his invitation just days before the event and was unable to attend. Local media reported that approximately 600 individuals were in attendance, but questions remain about whether the single-day event can meaningfully address the complex challenges facing the country.
The conference’s agenda was ambitious, covering key topics such as transitional justice, constitutional reform, institutional rebuilding, personal freedoms, the role of civil society, and economic recovery. While the recommendations made during the dialogue are non-binding, they are being closely watched by both Syrians and the international community. One of the most anticipated outcomes is the potential drafting of a new constitution, though skepticism remains about whether such a monumental task can be accomplished in just one day. The success of this effort will likely influence international decisions regarding the lifting of sanctions imposed on Syria during al-Assad’s rule, adding to the high stakes of the proceedings.
However, not everyone shares al-Sharaa’s optimism about the dialogue. Significant skepticism, particularly among Syria’s minority communities, has cast a shadow over the event. Groups such as Kurds, Christians, Druze, and Alawites—that once formed the backbone of al-Assad’s support—have expressed concerns about their place in the new order. Many remain unconvinced by assurances of inclusive governance, especially given HTS’s historical ties to al-Qaida, though the group has since distanced itself from the terrorist organization. Al-Sharaa has sought to address these concerns by promoting a vision of coexistence, but trust remains in short supply.Critics argue that the rushed nature of the conference and the token representation of minority groups undermine its legitimacy and effectiveness.
Amid these conflicting perspectives, the conference has evoked mixed reactions from Syrians. Dalia Dalati, a displaced public employee, expressed doubts about the likelihood of meaningful progress, pointing to the precarious economic and security conditions that persist three months after al-Assad’s fall. Others, such as Iman Shahoud, a judge from Hama, viewed the gathering as an important step toward unity and representation, emphasizing the symbolic significance of bringing together diverse sectors of Syrian society. Orthodox Archbishop Elia Tohme struck a cautious tone, noting that it was too early to judge the conference’s impact but acknowledging its potential as a platform for citizen engagement. As Syria navigates this uncertain transition, the success of this dialogue will hinge on its ability to address the deep-seated divides and aspirations of its people, setting the stage for a future characterized by justice, inclusion, and stability.
