In Damascus, a new chapter in Syria’s history began with a significant national dialogue conference organized by the country’s newly instated Islamist authorities. The conference marks a pivotal moment for Syria, which has suffered through the downfall of former President Bashar Assad and endured nearly 14 years of brutal civil conflict. Inviting around 600 representatives from various regions of Syria, the meeting was orchestrated by new rulers led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist former insurgent group.
HTS’s forces were instrumental in the quick campaign that resulted in Assad’s overthrow last December. Ahmad al-Sharaa, the interim President, addressed the assembly, declaring it a distinct historical opportunity for Syrians to reconstruct their nation independently, building on its self-liberation efforts. This gathering is seen as crucial for revitalizing Syria and reclaiming the future for its citizens, honoring the sacrifices endured over years of conflict.
The international community and the Syrian populace are observing closely as the new Islamist powers navigate a promised inclusive political transition. The possibility of lifting international sanctions, imposed during Assad’s regime, hangs in the balance, contingent on the new leadership’s commitments to a democratic and fair governance system. Challenges loom large for these new rulers, ranging from economic restoration and infrastructure rebuilding to establishing a new constitution and justice systems to address alleged war crimes.
Post-conflict Syria finds minority groups such as Kurds, Christians, Druze, and members of the Alawite sect apprehensive about their place in this new order. The HTS, having previously dissociated itself from al-Qaida, seeks to reassure these communities under al-Sharaa’s vision of coexistence. While all sectors of Syrian society were invited to the Damascus conference, the representation, particularly from minority groups, remains somewhat opaque. The objective of the gathering is to generate non-compulsory recommendations for the interim administration as they prepare to draft a new constitution and establish a fresh governmental framework.
Another task facing Syria’s nascent leadership involves unifying insurgent factions into a cohesive national army to secure the entirety of Syria’s territory. However, armed entities like the U.S.-supported and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, dominant in northeastern Syria, resist disarming or dissolving their units. Tensions in the region are further heightened by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s declaration. He vowed to prevent Syria’s new military forces or HTS from advancing south of Damascus, reflecting ongoing regional complexities.
Following Assad’s fall, Israeli forces took control of areas in southern Syria near the Israel-annexed Golan Heights, signifying an intent to maintain their presence. Although the new Syrian government has not specifically addressed Netanyahu’s assertion, al-Sharaa emphasized at the conference that Syria must stand resolutely against any threats to its security and unity.
Asaad al-Shibani, the interim Foreign Minister, reiterated Syria’s resolve to safeguard its sovereignty and independent decision-making. He emphasized the importance of re-establishing diplomatic relationships with Arab and Western nations and advocated for the repeal of sanctions that were placed during the former regime. As Syria embarks on this complex journey, the world watches to see if this historical opportunity translates into long-term peace and stability.
