**Syria's Transitional Talks Exclude Key Players Amid Divisions**

Syria's interim government convenes a national dialogue, but the absence of major Kurdish representation could hinder efforts toward unity in a nation mired in conflict.

In an effort to shape the future of Syria, the interim government in Damascus has initiated a two-day national dialogue, which began on February 24, 2025. The conference aims to include a broad spectrum of the country’s diverse religious and ethnic communities, although significant factions, particularly the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), have been left out of the discussions.

Interim President Ahmed al-Shara has promised to listen to various community leaders, academics, and religious figures to build a more representative government. Despite the urgency, with a deadline of March 1 set for a new governance framework, the invitations for the conference were extended just a day prior, raising questions about the organization and intent behind the dialogue.

While the interim government acknowledges the importance of unifying Syria's population, the exclusion of significant Kurdish representation has raised eyebrows. Although some Kurdish representatives were invited, the SDF, which commands much of northeastern Syria and is armed with U.S. support, was notably not included. The interim government has stipulated disarmament and a commitment to a unified national military as prerequisites for SDF participation, a demand that echoes wider regional tensions.

Skepticism about the effectiveness of the national dialogue is palpable among Syrians grappling with decades of civil strife and sectarian violence. Many observers doubt whether the interim government, dominated by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, an Islamist faction, can genuinely foster inclusivity. The current administration has been criticized for sidelining other rebel factions that played a pivotal role during the uprisings against the former regime.

Despite the organizers’ assurances that recommendations from this national dialogue will guide the establishment of a provisional constitution and broader governance reforms, the reality remains uncertain. Hassan al-Dughaim, the spokesperson for the organizing committee, stated that while their recommendations aim to serve as foundational elements for Syria's future structure, skepticism persists regarding their binding nature and the political will to act upon them.

Raja Abdulrahim, who reports on Middle Eastern affairs from Jerusalem, notes that as tensions linger, the prospect of genuine unity seems increasingly complex in a landscape still marked by division and distrust.