Ahmed al-Sharaa’s interim administration faces pressure for inclusive policies

The head of the internationally recognized Syrian opposition, Hadi al-Bahra, announced on Monday that the group has not been invited to participate in the national dialogue proposed by Syria’s current interim administration. 

Speaking to Al Arabiya TV, Bahra revealed that no communication had been made with the new government, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, raising questions about the inclusivity of the process.

Ahmed al-Sharaa, the de facto leader of Syria following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad on December 8, had announced plans for a national dialogue conference. The conference, he claimed, would involve broad participation across Syrian society, addressing critical issues such as the dissolution of parliament and the drafting of a new constitution. However, no date has yet been set for this event.

The announcement comes at a critical juncture for Syria, a country still reeling from a 13-year civil war that ended with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s rapid takeover. The group’s rise to power has left significant concerns about the future of a multi-ethnic nation, where foreign actors like Turkey and Russia maintain considerable influence.

The Syrian National Coalition, an opposition body established in 2012 to challenge Assad’s rule and previously based in Turkey, expressed its readiness to engage from within Syria. 

Bahra, now back in Damascus, stated his intention to work toward inclusive dialogue from the capital. However, his exclusion from the proposed national conference highlights the challenges of uniting a fractured political landscape.

Calls to declare Iran a hostile state amid accusations of Syrian bloodshed

Meanwhile, the National Salvation Front in Syria issued a stark warning regarding a statement by a group identifying as “The Syrian Resistance in the Coastal Area.” 

The Front accused this faction of attempting to incite sectarian violence and chaos, alleging involvement from remnants of Assad’s regime and Iranian influence. The Front described these actions as a potential trigger for further bloodshed and instability.

In a formal statement, the National Salvation Front called for immediate action to safeguard Syria’s security and unity, outlining the following demands : preventing sectarian conflict, declaring Iran a hostile state. 

The Front demanded that al-Sharaa declare Iran a hostile entity, citing its role in shedding Syrian blood and displacing millions. They proposed seizing Iranian assets within Syria and seeking $500 billion in reparations for material and human losses caused by Iran, and rebuilding military and security institutions:

As Syria’s interim administration navigates this critical transitional phase, the exclusion of key opposition groups and the potential for new conflicts pose serious risks. 

Efforts to establish a cohesive and inclusive political process will be essential to ensuring the country’s unity and stability.