Tue Feb 25 09:28:42 UTC 2025: ## Syria’s De Facto Leader Launches National Dialogue Amidst Skepticism

**Damascus, Syria –** Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s de facto leader, opened a national dialogue on Tuesday, hailing it as a crucial step towards a democratic transition. The one-day conference, organized by al-Sharaa’s Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), brought together approximately 600 participants to discuss transitional justice, a new constitution, institutional reform, and economic recovery. Al-Sharaa pledged to establish a transitional justice body, pursue those who committed crimes against Syrians, and maintain a state monopoly on weapons. He also reiterated his commitment to integrating Kurdish-led forces into the national army.

However, the conference has been met with significant skepticism. The short notice – invitations were sent out just days before the event – and the compressed one-day schedule have raised concerns that the process is rushed and lacks genuine inclusivity. Several prominent opposition figures, including George Sabra, were unable to attend due to logistical constraints.

While participant Iman Shahoud hailed the conference as a victory, others expressed deep reservations. Dalia Dalati, a displaced public employee, voiced doubt about the conference’s potential for meaningful change, citing ongoing economic and security instability. Orthodox Archbishop Elia Tohme similarly cautioned against premature judgment.

The conference’s recommendations are non-binding, but its outcome will heavily influence the international community’s decision on whether to lift sanctions imposed on Syria. The drafting of a new constitution is a key objective, though its feasibility within a single day is questionable. The level of genuine citizen participation and the long-term impact of this dialogue remain to be seen.

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