Syria’s National Dialogue Conference Aims to Redefine Political Future

The national dialogue conference in Syria is set to begin on Monday, with the main session on Tuesday focusing on political reforms, including transitional justice, a new constitution, and economic strategies. This conference aims to provide nonbinding recommendations to new leaders, and prior preparations involved significant public engagement. The formation of a new interim government by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and the exclusion of the Syrian Democratic Forces highlight the complexities of the ongoing political landscape.

The national dialogue conference in Syria, aimed at defining the nation’s political future post-Bashar Assad, will commence on Monday. The primary discussions will occur on Tuesday, covering vital topics such as transitional justice, constitutional frameworks, institutional reforms, civil liberties, the role of civil society, and economic strategies. The dialogue aims to produce nonbinding recommendations for Syria’s new governing body.

This conference, anticipated since the fall of Assad, recently was confirmed for a Monday start after considerable uncertainty. Organizers had stated just days earlier that the date was not finalized and subject to community discussions. Additionally, while the expected number of attendees was suggested to be between 400 and 1,000, the final count remained undetermined as of the conference’s opening.

Prior to the conference, the organizing committee engaged with approximately 4,000 participants across Syria’s provinces through over 30 meetings. This outreach aimed to ensure diverse representation of Syrian society. Reports indicated participants voiced demands for a temporary constitution, economic reforms, government restructuring, citizen involvement in institutions, and improvements in security and stability.

Following Assad’s removal, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), previously the dominant rebel group, initiated an interim government primarily composed of its members. They projected plans for a new government formation through an inclusive methodology by March. Consequently, in January, a meeting of former rebel factions resulted in the appointment of Ahmad al-Sharaa as Syria’s interim president, with agreements reached regarding the dissolution of the former constitution and military structures.

Various armed factions present at these engagements agreed to disband, facilitating their members’ integration into a newly established national army and security forces. It is noteworthy that the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces have not been invited to participate in these national dialogues, representing a significant gap in this political process.

The national dialogue conference in Syria represents a pivotal moment in attempting to redefine the country’s political landscape following the downfall of Bashar Assad. As discussions focus on key reforms and societal representation, the involvement of diverse groups remains crucial. The absence of the Syrian Democratic Forces signifies potential divides in the dialogue process, underscoring the complexities of achieving national unity in Syria. In summary, while the conference has generated significant hopes for progress, its outcomes will be critical for Syria’s future governance.

Original Source: www.voanews.com