Syria’s National Dialogue: A Step Toward Unity Amidst Skepticism
Syria’s interim President, Ahmad al-Sharaa, has called for national unity as the country embarks on a critical phase of rebuilding after nearly 14 years of devastating civil war. The call came during a long-awaited national dialogue conference held in Damascus, attended by around 600 participants from across Syria. The event, organized by the new authorities led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), marks a pivotal moment in Syria’s transition following the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad in early December. Al-Sharaa, who has pledged an inclusive political transition, emphasized the importance of seizing this "rare historical opportunity" to serve the interests of the Syrian people and honor the sacrifices made during the war. However, his words have been met with skepticism, as many Syrians and the international community remain uncertain about the new rulers’ commitment to inclusive governance.
The conference, which is expected to provide nonbinding recommendations for interim rules ahead of drafting a new constitution and forming a government, has been seen as a step toward rebuilding Syria’s war-torn economy, infrastructure, and political institutions. However, the challenges are immense. Syria’s new leaders must address issues such as establishing justice mechanisms for war crimes, rebuilding trust among diverse communities, and navigating the complexities of forming a unified national army. While incidents of revenge and collective punishment have been less widespread than feared, concerns persist, particularly among minority groups like Kurds, Christians, Druze, and members of Assad’s Alawite sect. Many are unsure whether the new rulers, led by a group formerly affiliated with al-Qaeda, will deliver on their promises of inclusivity and coexistence.
Rebuilding Ties with the West and Addressing Internal Divisions
The Damascus conference has also highlighted the challenges of uniting Syria’s fractured society. While organizers claimed that representatives from all Syrian communities were invited, including women and minority religious groups, some key players were notably absent. The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-led group that controls large swaths of northeastern Syria, did not attend the conference. A coalition of mostly Kurdish political parties issued a statement criticizing the event for failing to "reflect the reality of the Syrian components." This exclusion has deepened existing divisions and raised questions about the new government’s ability to address the grievances of all Syrians.
Compounding these internal challenges is the task of transforming former insurgent factions into a single national army. The new authorities have stated that this army should have control over all Syrian territory, but not all armed groups are willing to disarm and integrate. The SDF, in particular, has refused to dissolve its units, citing concerns about security and autonomy. This tension underscores the difficult balance the new government must strike between asserting central authority and addressing the legitimate concerns of local groups.
External Threats and Regional Dynamics
Beyond its internal struggles, Syria’s new government faces significant external pressures. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made it clear that Israel will not allow Syria’s new army or HTS to operate in areas south of Damascus, particularly near the Golan Heights, which Israel has annexed. Netanyahu framed this stance as a move to protect the Druze minority, who live in both southern Syria and the Golan Heights. Since Assad’s fall, Israeli forces have moved into parts of southern Syria, and Netanyahu has signaled that they intend to stay indefinitely.
While Syria’s interim leaders have not directly responded to Netanyahu’s warning, al-Sharaa has vowed to "firmly confront anyone who wants to tamper with our security and unity." Interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani has also emphasized Syria’s sovereignty and independence, rejecting any violations of its territorial integrity. These statements reflect the new government’s determination to assert control over the entire country, but the challenge of confronting external threats while addressing internal divisions and rebuilding the nation remains daunting.
A Long and Winding Road to Rebuilding and Legitimacy
Syria’s path to recovery is fraught with obstacles, from reconstructing its shattered economy and infrastructure to establishing a new constitution and justice system. The legacy of the civil war, which has left deep scars on the nation’s social fabric, will not be easily overcome. While the Damascus conference represents a tentative step toward dialogue and unity, it has also exposed the fissures that persist within Syrian society. Many minority communities remain uncertain about their place in the new Syria, and the credibility of the new rulers’ commitment to inclusivity has yet to be proven.
Despite these challenges, there is a sense of cautious optimism among some Syrians. The fall of Assad and the transition to a new government have opened up possibilities for political and social change that were unthinkable just a few months ago. However, for this optimism to translate into tangible progress, the new authorities must demonstrate a genuine commitment to inclusivity, justice, and accountability. The international community, including Western nations still weighing whether to lift sanctions, will be closely watching how Syria navigates this critical juncture. The road ahead will be long and uncertain, but it also presents an opportunity for Syria to emerge from its darkest chapter with a renewed sense of purpose and unity.
Syria’s Quest for International Legitimacy and Reintegration
One of the most pressing tasks for Syria’s new government is rebuilding its international relations and securing much-needed support for reconstruction. The interim authorities have already begun reaching out to Arab and Western governments, hoping to restore diplomatic ties and lobby for the lifting of sanctions imposed during Assad’s rule. Al-Shibani, the interim foreign minister, has highlighted these efforts, framing them as essential to Syria’s recovery and reintegration into the global community.
However, the path to international legitimacy will not be straightforward. Many countries remain wary of HTS’s Islamist ideology and its former ties to al-Qaeda. Concerns about human rights, accountability for war crimes, and the inclusivity of the political transition will likely influence whether nations are willing to engage with the new government. Additionally, the presence of foreign forces in Syria, including Israeli troops in the south and U.S.-backed Kurdish forces in the northeast, adds another layer of complexity to the country’s external relations.
For Syria to gain international legitimacy, its new leaders must not only address these concerns but also demonstrate tangible progress on the ground. This includes fostering inclusivity, ensuring justice for victims of the war, and creating conditions for the safe return of refugees and displaced persons. While the Damascus conference is a symbolic step in this direction, it is only the beginning of what will be a long and arduous process.
The Path Forward: Hope and Uncertainty in a Post-Assad Syria
As Syria begins this new chapter, the mood is one of cautious hope mixed with deep uncertainty. The ouster of Bashar al-Assad has created an opportunity for change, but the challenges ahead are immense. From rebuilding infrastructure to addressing minority concerns and navigating external threats, the tasks facing Syria’s new government are Herculean.
For many Syrians, the question is whether this transition will mark a true break from the past or simply replace one authoritarian regime with another. The answer will depend on whether the new rulers can deliver on their promises of inclusivity, justice, and accountability. While the Damascus conference has provided a glimmer of hope, it is only the first step on a long and uncertain journey. The international community, too, will play a crucial role in determining whether Syria can rebuild and reintegrate into the global fold.
In the end, Syria’s future will be shaped by the choices made by its leaders and the resilience of its people. If the new government can rise to the occasion and address the deep-seated divisions and challenges facing the nation, there is a chance for Syria to emerge from this dark chapter with a renewed sense of hope and unity. However, if the promises of inclusivity and reform go unfulfilled, the risks of further conflict and instability remain all too real. The world will be watching closely as Syria navigates this critical moment in its history.
