National Dialogue: Mandatory path toward Syrian consensus

The Syrian Interim Government held what was called the "Syrian National Dialogue" in February. However, many national and political forces, as well as Kurdish, Druze, Alawite, and other Syrian components elites, were absent. 

Consequently, the dialogue did not achieve the hoped-for goal of bringing all parties together to discuss the country’s future and plan the next stage after years of war and destruction.

Turkish Ambitions

Shaaban emphasized that any dialogue conducted under a “fait accompli” approach will not produce real results. He also highlighted that Turkish ambitions in Syria are long-standing, dating back more than a century, and that Turkey continues to intervene, preventing the establishment of a stable Syrian state because it benefits from a weakened Syria.

 “Turkey obstructs any political or intellectual rapprochement among Syrian communities, making it a major obstacle to the success of national dialogue.”

Conditions and Mechanisms for Success

Shaaban stressed that the success of Syrian dialogue requires transparent proposals and a proper relationship among all Syrian communities, including the current authorities, based on inclusive national partnership. He noted: “A lack of transparency will weaken Syrian society.”

Inclusive Discourse and Exclusion of Foreign Agendas

Shaaban highlighted that the most important aspect of the dialogue is having an inclusive discourse with participation from all political forces and actors, while excluding parties tied to foreign agendas, as they disrupt the dialogue’s credibility.

Role of National Elites

Mohammed Shaaban emphasized that selecting national intellectual and political figures is crucial for the success of the dialogue. He questioned: “How can state institutions succeed if they are run by Turkish intelligence? Turkey only works for its own interests.”

Toward a Democratic, Inclusive State

Concluding his remarks, Shaaban said: “Syria is a state of multiple nationalities, sects, and religions. Contradictions can only be resolved through a democratic, civic state that unites all Syrians, away from divisions, to build an inclusive national state.”

a.k

ANHA