On 12 February, interim Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa took an initial step toward organising the much-anticipated National Dialogue Conference by appointing a preparatory committee to lay the groundwork for this crucial process.
This move is a significant test for the new leader following a period of newfound optimism. However, the committee's composition has raised considerable concerns, as it predominantly comprises individuals with ideological or political ties to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), casting doubt on its true intentions.
The committee’s murky agenda, opaque mechanisms, and rushed, top-down approach to public engagement have only deepened scepticism. Without meaningful and genuine participation, the national dialogue risks becoming a hollow exercise that fails to reflect Syrians' aspirations. In a nation yearning for authentic reform and true inclusion, this could undermine the very purpose of the dialogue that so many have longed for.
The façade of inclusivity
Despite its bid to present itself as inclusive—such as the appointment of two female members—these efforts have failed to reassure many Syrians. The primary concern stems from the fact that three of the five male members—Yousef al-Hajr, Mohamed Musatat, and Mustafa al-Mousa—reportedly have organisational ties to HTS, while the remaining two members, Hassan al-Dhaghim and Maher Aloush, share a similar ideological background.
Concerns about HTS’s dominant influence are further compounded by the lack of transparency surrounding the committee’s internal bylaws and regulations, which undermines confidence in the contributions of its non-HTS-affiliated members. Despite numerous media appearances, the committee has consistently failed to clarify its agenda, operational mechanisms, and timeline, further fuelling doubts about the dialogue’s potential outcomes.
