Syria’s New Leader Pledges Democratic Transition Amidst Skepticism

Ahmed al-Sharaa, the de facto leader of Syria, opened talks on the country’s future in Damascus on Tuesday, reiterating his commitment to a democratic political transition and calling for national unity, Al Jazeera reports.

The meeting, orchestrated by al-Sharaa and his ruling Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), is touted as a crucial step towards a democratic and inclusive Syria following years of civil war and the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad.

In his opening address, al-Sharaa urged Syrians to “stand united and hand in hand to heal the wounds and wash away the pains after decades of dictatorship.” He also announced the formation of a transitional justice committee and emphasized the need for the state to hold a monopoly on weapons, a critical issue given the proliferation of armed groups in the country.

Al-Sharaa has previously indicated that Kurdish-led forces, who fought against al-Assad’s regime, should be integrated into the national army.

Despite the ambitious goals, the process faces significant skepticism and concerns. The sudden announcement of the conference, just days before it convened, took many observers by surprise. The hurried timeline and a single-day schedule have raised questions about the feasibility of achieving meaningful progress on complex issues like drafting a new constitution.

Opposition politician George Sabra, currently in exile in France, revealed on X that he received an invitation to the talks just days before the event, making his attendance impossible.

According to local media, some 600 candidates are attending the dialogue, participating in a packed agenda covering topics such as transitional justice, constitutional reform, institutional rebuilding, personal freedoms, the role of civil society, and economic reform.

While the conference recommendations are non-binding, its outcome is being closely monitored by the international community, which is weighing the potential lifting of sanctions imposed on Syria during the Assad regime.

Concerns persist, particularly among Syria’s minority communities – including Kurds, Christians, Druze, and members of Assad’s Alawite sect – who remain wary of the new rulers’ promises of inclusive governance. Many are yet to be convinced of their future security and representation.

Further fueling skepticism is the history of HTS, which was formerly affiliated with al-Qaida. While the group has severed those ties and al-Sharaa has advocated for coexistence, lingering doubts about its commitment to democratic principles remain.