Syria’s interim president, Ahmad Al-Sharaa, hosted a two-day conference to plan the country’s future after Assad’s regime fell. However, the US-backed Kurdish forces were not invited. The government insisted that Kurdish forces disarm and merge into a unified national military before joining the talks.
Kurdish-Led SDF Left Out
The government invited some Kurdish leaders but excluded the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). This US-backed militia controls much of Syria’s northeast. Kurds make up about 10% of Syria’s population.
During the conference, Al-Sharaa urged unity and reconstruction. He stated, “Just as Syria has liberated itself by itself, it is appropriate for it to build itself by itself.”
Al-Sharaa Invites Kurds to Join Government
Al-Sharaa offered Kurds a place in the interim government. He promised equal rights and suggested integrating Kurdish-led forces into a national army.
National Dialogue Conference Begins
Hundreds attended the long-awaited national dialogue in Damascus on Monday and Tuesday. Representatives from different religious and ethnic groups participated.
In his speech, Al-Sharaa urged unity. He said, “Syria calls on you to stand together in unity and cooperation to heal its wounds, soothe its pain, and support its recovery.”
Conference Issues Recommendations
The conference issued 18 recommendations, though none were binding. Key proposals included drafting a new constitution, putting all weapons under state control, and reviving the economy.
The final statement condemned Israeli military action in Syria’s south after Assad’s fall. Arab and Western leaders urged Syria’s new rulers to form an inclusive government before restoring diplomatic ties.
Al-Sharaa had previously promised to hold this dialogue to form a new government. Leaders see this as the first step toward a new constitution, a process Al-Sharaa said could take three years.
Deadline for New Government
The interim government set March 1 as the deadline to start forming a representative government. However, the conference was quickly assembled.
Syria’s Diverse Population
Syria has a Sunni Muslim majority but includes minorities such as Alawites, Druze, Christians, and Kurds. A rebel coalition ousted former President Assad and seized control in early December.