A long-awaited national dialogue conference aimed at shaping Syria's political future post the fall of former President Bashar Assad commenced in Damascus on Monday. The conference, a key promise by the country's new rulers, former rebels turned leaders, is crucial for steering an inclusive political transition. The outcomes of this conference will be closely monitored by Syrians and the international community, particularly nations contemplating lifting sanctions imposed during Assad's regime.
The main session is scheduled for Tuesday, with workshops focusing on transitional justice, new constitution structure, institutional reform, personal freedoms, civil society's role, and the country's economy. The national dialogue's results will be nonbinding recommendations for Syria's new leadership.
The conference's planning had been uncertain until the last minute, with the date being announced just a day before its commencement. Initially, the number of participants was undecided, but eventually, 600 individuals were invited. The conference has been hailed as a historic event, offering Syrians a platform to voice their opinions freely without fear of repression.
While some participants like Judge Iman Shahoud view the conference as a significant milestone, others like public employee Dalia Dalati remain skeptical about its potential impact. Dalati expressed concerns about the country's economic and security challenges persisting post-Assad's fall, questioning the new rulers' priorities.
Orthodox Archbishop Elia Tohme, another participant, emphasized the need to assess the conference's outcomes before passing judgment. He stressed the importance of establishing mechanisms to implement the dialogue's recommendations effectively.
Following Assad's ousting, the former rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham established an interim administration, aiming for an inclusive government formation by March. The national dialogue excluded the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, prompting discussions on the representation of various Syrian societal components.
The organizing committee conducted over 30 meetings across Syria to ensure diverse participation, with citizens advocating for a temporary constitutional declaration, economic planning, government restructuring, citizen involvement in institutions, and enhanced security and stability.
