Interim President Ahmad Al-Sharaa hosted a two-day conference on Tuesday to discuss Syria’s future after Assad’s fall. However, the US-backed, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) were not invited.

Kurds Must Disarm to Join Talks

The interim government set strict conditions for Kurdish participation. Specifically, it demanded that the Kurds disarm and merge with the national army before joining the discussions. Although some Kurdish leaders attended, the SDF, which controls northeastern Syria, remained excluded. Notably, Kurds make up 10% of Syria’s population.

During the conference, Al-Sharaa emphasized unity and national rebuilding. 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

Despite the SDF’s exclusion, Al-Sharaa extended an invitation to the Kurdish community to join the interim government. Furthermore, he promised equal rights and proposed integrating Kurdish forces into the national army.

National Dialogue Finally Begins

The long-awaited conference took place in Damascus on Monday and Tuesday. Hundreds of people attended, including representatives from various religious and sectarian groups. Addressing the attendees, Al-Sharaa urged Syrians to unite. He declared, “Syria calls on you to stand together in unity and cooperation to heal its wounds, soothe its pain, and support its recovery.”

Key Recommendations for the New Government

By the end of the conference, leaders proposed 18 recommendations, though none were legally binding. These proposals focused on critical national issues, including:

• Drafting a new Syrian constitution
• Placing all weapons under government control
• Reviving Syria’s struggling economy

Moreover, the closing statement condemned Israeli military actions in southern Syria following Assad’s removal.

International Pressure for Inclusive Leadership

Meanwhile, both Western and Arab leaders urged Syria’s new government to include all religious and ethnic groups before restoring full diplomatic ties. Earlier, Al-Sharaa had pledged to hold a national dialogue to form a new government.

Plans to Draft a New Constitution

Looking ahead, Syrian leaders see the conference as the first step toward drafting a new constitution. According to Al-Sharaa, this process could take up to three years. Although the interim government set a March 1 deadline to begin forming a representative government, the conference was arranged on short notice.

Syria’s Diverse Population

Syria is primarily a Sunni Muslim country. However, it also has significant minority groups, including Alawites, Druze, Christians, and Kurds. Finally, after months of conflict, the rebel coalition successfully removed former President Assad and took control of Syria in early December.