First Committee Meeting in Syria’s Raqqa Signals New Phase in Dialogue with Damascus

By Kardo Roj

RAQQA, Syria (North Press) – A newly formed preparatory committee held its inaugural session in the city of Raqqa on Tuesday, marking a significant step in fostering dialogue between representatives of North and East Syria and the Damascus government. The meeting was convened at the headquarters of the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC, known by its Kurdish acronym “MSD”).

Composed of societal elites, including intellectuals, legal experts, tribal leaders, women’s representatives, and civil society organizations, the committee’s mission is to help develop a collective vision for Syria’s future—one rooted in unity, justice, and political pluralism.

“The Preparatory Committee for Dialogue with Damascus held its first meeting in Raqqa,” said human rights activist Meshleb al-Turkan during the session. “Its role is advisory in nature and will support the ongoing dialogue with Damascus.”

The initiative is viewed as an attempt to bridge political and cultural gaps while exploring pathways to a negotiated solution to the Syrian crisis. Al-Turkan emphasized the committee’s representative nature, highlighting that its composition reflects the diverse makeup of Raqqa and the broader region of North and East Syria.

“We were invited to Damascus under the leadership of Mr. Abid Hamid,” al-Turkan said, referring to a recent visit by a North and East Syria delegation. “He shared insight into the mechanism for initiating dialogue with the Damascus government.”

The committee, according to participants, aims to act as a platform for structured debate and policy recommendations. Its members will gather perspectives from local communities to contribute to shaping a long-term national vision.

Munir al-Hafez, a researcher and writer from Raqqa, noted the significance of the city hosting this dialogue initiative, especially given its historical marginalization.

“Syria is currently entering a new, transitional phase,” he said. “We are engaging in dialogue with Damascus from our position as intellectuals and thinkers.”

Al-Hafez highlighted the exclusion of Raqqa from previous political and social life under earlier governments, stressing that the new initiative represents a break from that past.

“We are now working to develop advisory visions and mechanisms focused on cultural engagement and aligned with the political aspirations of North and East Syria,” he added. “We are in communication with transitional authorities in Damascus to help build a new, inclusive Syria.”

The meeting comes at a time of delicate transition in Syria. While no formal political agreement exists between the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) and the Syrian government, both sides have made overtures indicating openness to dialogue—particularly on matters of decentralization, constitutional reform, and national unity.

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the main military force backing AANES, continue to play a central role in securing large swathes of northeast Syria, particularly against the threats posed by Islamic State (ISIS) remnants and ongoing instability in the region.

By leveraging grassroots input and civic representation, the Raqqa-based committee seeks to complement broader political negotiations with tangible, community-grounded dialogue.

Though still in its early stages, the preparatory committee is expected to serve as a model for similar initiatives across other regions controlled by AANES. Its success could influence the trajectory of Syrian political reconciliation by injecting diverse regional voices into discussions traditionally dominated by state-centric institutions.

“We hope this initiative will grow to include people from all regions of Syria,” al-Turkan said, noting the importance of inclusive participation in any future political settlement.

As Syria navigates the challenges of post-conflict reconstruction and national cohesion, the actions taken in Raqqa may prove pivotal in shaping a more participatory and representative political landscape for years to come.