The national dialogue conference in Damascus, Syria, began on February 24, 2025, aiming to shape a political transition post-Assad. It includes discussions on justice, constitutional reforms, and civil liberties, though its outcomes will be nonbinding. Skepticism exists among citizens about the conference’s practicality, focusing on ongoing economic and security challenges. The dialogue excludes significant groups like the Kurdish forces, raising questions about its inclusiveness.
The national dialogue conference in Damascus, Syria, commenced on February 24, 2025, marking a significant step toward shaping the country’s political future post-Bashar Assad. Government representatives from the recent rebel-led administration aim to foster an inclusive transition, closely monitored by both citizens and the international community, which is assessing the potential lifting of sanctions against Syria.
The conference will include workshops addressing key topics such as transitional justice, constitutional framework, institutional reforms, civil liberties, civil society’s role, and economic strategies. Although the resultant recommendations will be nonbinding, they hold the potential to influence the newly established governance structure.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the conference, skepticism prevails among various citizens regarding its efficacy. Dalia Dalati, a public employee from Aleppo, expressed doubts about the outcomes, citing ongoing economic challenges and insecurity, questioning the conference’s focus compared to the pressing issues citizens face daily.
Orthodox Archbishop Elia Tohme noted the necessity to await the conference’s outcomes before assessing its significance. He emphasized the importance of establishing mechanisms to ensure the implementation of any recommendations resulting from the dialogue, moving beyond mere discussions.
The conference follows the dissolution of Assad’s regime, with different armed factions agreeing to create a new national army and security forces. Notably, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces were excluded from the dialogue, raising concerns about the inclusivity of the process. Efforts to represent diverse societal segments included over 30 meetings with around 4,000 participants contributing to discussions leading up to the conference, indicating a desire for reform and stability among the population.
The national dialogue conference in Syria highlights a crucial moment in the country’s transition following Bashar Assad’s regime. While it aims to engage a broad representation of Syrian society in shaping a new political landscape, there is a clear divide between optimism for inclusive governance and skepticism regarding the tangible outcomes. The future effectiveness of this initiative will depend on its ability to address the immediate concerns surrounding security and economic stability.
Original Source: apnews.com
