Syria’s Promised Dialogue Falls Short of Expectations

The anticipated "national dialogue" in Damascus failed to deliver on promises of inclusivity, leaving attendees questioning the commitment of Syria's new leadership to real political reform.

Syria's interim president, Ahmed al-Shara, hosted a two-day "national dialogue" conference in Damascus, which was formally launched as a pivotal step toward establishing an inclusive government after years of dictatorial repression. However, attendees expressed dissatisfaction, feeling the event lacked the essential components needed for true dialogue and representation. “We have a lot of objections to how this happened,” noted Ibrahim Draji, a law professor present at the meeting. He voiced concerns regarding the absence of transparency and the vague criteria used for participant invitations.

Draji, with over two decades of legal expertise, argued that the discourse held at this meeting did not truly reflect a national dialogue’s purpose.

Opening on a promising note, the conference attracted a diverse group of leaders and citizens, all eager to play a role in redefining Syria’s political landscape post-Bashar al-Assad. The rebel coalition that dethroned Assad had previously assured the populace of their intention to cultivate a representative government—this dialogue was seen as the first step in that direction. Yet, skepticism remains high as many participants question whether the newly empowered Islamist leaders are committed to an inclusive political framework or simply replicating the old regime’s exclusivity.