Syria’s National Dialogue: A Call for Unity Amidst Division
Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Shara, issued a heartfelt appeal for unity and rebuilding during a two-day national dialogue conference held in Damascus. The conference, which took place on Monday and Tuesday, aimed to chart a path forward for the war-torn nation after decades of dictatorship. Hundreds of participants, representing various religious and ethnic groups, attended the event, which was seen as a crucial step toward healing the deep fractures in Syrian society. However, the absence of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a major player controlling much of northeast Syria, cast a shadow over the proceedings. In his address, al-Shara emphasized the need for collective effort to “heal the wounds, soothe the pain, and support the recovery” of Syria.
The National Dialogue: A Step Toward Inclusivity?
The national dialogue was long-awaited, especially after the government set a March 1 deadline to begin forming a representative government. Arab and Western leaders have consistently urged Syria’s new rulers to establish an inclusive government that represents all religious sects and ethnic groups before restoring ties with the international community. Al-Shara, whose rebel coalition overthrew the longtime dictator Bashar al-Assad in early December, had promised to hold this dialogue to discuss the formation of such a government. The conference was promoted as the first step toward drafting a new constitution, a process that could take up to three years.
Despite its significance, the conference was hastily arranged, with invitations sent out on February 23, just a day before it began. Participants included community leaders, academics, religious figures, journalists, businessmen, activists, former detainees, and families of those affected by Syria’s 13-year civil war. The organizers emphasized that the recommendations from the dialogue would not merely be advisory but would form the basis for a provisional constitutional declaration, economic reforms, and institutional changes. However, many Syrians remain skeptical about the sincerity of the process, given the Islamist leanings of al-Shara’s government and the lack of representation for key groups like the Kurds.
The Kurdish Question: A Missing Piece in the Puzzle
Syria is a Sunni-Muslim majority country, but it is home to diverse religious and ethnic minorities, including Alawites, Druse, Christians, and Kurds. The Kurdish community, making up about 10% of Syria’s population, has long been a focal point of tension. While some Kurds were invited to the national dialogue, the Kurdish-led SDF, a U.S.-backed militia controlling much of northeast Syria, was conspicuously absent. The interim government has demanded that the SDF disarm and integrate into a unified national military force as a condition for participation. This stance has deepened divisions, with many Kurds viewing the move as an attempt to marginalize their community.
At the conference, al-Shara reiterated the need to bring all armed groups under state control, warning against those who would undermine Syria’s unity and security. While he did not explicitly name the SDF, his remarks were widely interpreted as a reference to the group. The conference organizers have argued that the SDF does not represent all Syrian Kurds, further complicating the situation. Meanwhile, Turkey, a key ally of al-Shara’s rebel group, has long sought to weaken the SDF, claiming it is linked to Kurdish separatist groups in Turkey. The exclusion of the SDF has raised questions about the inclusivity of the dialogue and whether it can genuinely represent the interests of all Syrians.
Challenges Ahead: Unity in a Divided Nation
The national dialogue faces significant challenges, particularly in a country as deeply divided as Syria. Sectarian tensions continue to simmer, with revenge killings and vendettas still occurring in some areas. Many Syrians are skeptical about the dialogue’s ability to bring about meaningful change, especially given the Islamist-dominated government’s track record. Al-Shara’s group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, has been accused of prioritizing its own loyalists for government and ministerial positions, leaving other rebel groups that helped overthrow Assad out of the political process.
These concerns are compounded by the fact that the recommendations from the dialogue are nonbinding, leaving many to wonder whether they will have any real impact. While organizers have emphasized that the recommendations will form the foundation for future reforms, there is little guarantee that they will be implemented. For many Syrians, the dialogue represents a small step forward, but it is far from clear whether it will lead to lasting progress.
Reactions and Skepticism: A Long and Winding Road
Reactions to the national dialogue have been mixed, with many Syrians expressing skepticism about its potential to deliver real change. Critics argue that the conference lacks legitimacy due to the exclusion of key groups like the SDF and the dominance of Islamist factions in the government. Others have pointed to the rushed nature of the event, with invitations sent out at the last minute, as evidence of a lack of genuine commitment to inclusivity.
Despite these challenges, some participants expressed hope that the dialogue could mark the beginning of a healing process. The inclusion of diverse voices, including those of former detainees and families of victims, was seen as a positive step. However, for the dialogue to succeed, it will need to address the deep-seated mistrust and divisions that have been exacerbated by years of conflict. The road ahead is uncertain, but one thing is clear: without genuine inclusivity and a willingness to confront the past, any attempt at national reconciliation is likely to fall short.
Conclusion: A Fragile Path to Rebuilding Syria
Syria’s national dialogue represents a fragile step toward rebuilding a nation shattered by decades of dictatorship and conflict. While the event brought together a diverse range of voices, the exclusion of key groups like the SDF and the dominance of Islamist factions have raised questions about its inclusivity and legitimacy. For the dialogue to succeed, it must address the concerns of all Syrians, including minorities and those who remain wary of the new government. The road to recovery will be long and difficult, but without unity, cooperation, and a genuine commitment to inclusivity, the wounds of the past may never fully heal.
