Damascus, Syria - February 25, 2025 Syria's two-day National Dialogue conference in Damascus concluded on Tuesday, having brought together representatives from various groups to discuss the country's political future, although the exclusion of key armed groups from the meeting has raised doubts about its effectiveness. The event, which came nearly three months after former president Bashar al-Assad's departure, aimed to make non-binding recommendations for interim laws, paving the way for a new constitution and government. Syrian Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa addressed the conference, urging the nation to come together at a pivotal moment for its future. The conference divided participants into six working groups to discuss key issues, including a transitional justice system, the constitution, building state institutions, personal freedoms, Syria's future economic model, and the role civil society would have in the country. These discussions are intended to inform the complex post-Assad political transition, which has faced numerous obstacles due to Syria’s ongoing fragmentation. Despite the broad representation, skepticism about the conference’s inclusiveness persists, particularly among armed groups like the United States-backed Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which were excluded from the talks. The SDF has criticized the conference, claiming it does not represent the Syrian population. Syria faces monumental challenges as it works to rebuild an economy devastated by 14 years of civil war. Millions live below the poverty line, and much of the country's infrastructure remains in ruins. A new transitional government is set to take power on March 1, with hopes that it will be better equipped to address the nation's long-standing economic issues, including the impact of international sanctions. Joudeh expressed cautious optimism for the new government's potential. The conference signals a new chapter for Syria, one marked by the potential for rebuilding after years of devastation. However, the ongoing control of large parts of the country by various armed factions continues to raise questions about the conference's effectiveness and ability to represent all Syrians. Shotlist: Damascus, Syria - Feb 25, 2025: 1. Various of Syrian National Dialogue in progress, attendees; 2. Syrian Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa addressing at conference; 3. Attendees; 4. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Ahmad al-Sharaa, Syrian Interim President: "Syria has called on you today not to diverge, but to converge. It has called on you to discuss the future of your country, and the coming generations' future. The current events are titles for a new historic period that will be written and built by your hands and taught to your children."; 5. Various of meeting in progress; FILE: Syria - Date Unknown 6. Flags of Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF); 7. Various of military drills in progress; Damascus, Syria - Feb 25, 2025 8. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Anas Joudeh, political analyst (starting with shot 7): "The main problem with this conference is that it is not inclusive and does not represent all Syrians. It was a one-direction conference, with only one point of view discussing all the topics put up for debate. The ultimate goal for a national dialogue is to reach a national consensus on basic issues, which would need a long period of discussion on different levels among Syrians."; Damascus, Syria - Feb 23, 2025 9. Various of damaged buildings, rubbles, displaced people; Damascus, Syria - Feb 25, 2025 10. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Anas Joudeh, political analyst (partially overlaid with shot 11): "What will come out after the national dialogue, whether a technocratic or transitional government, I hope will work to enhance the economy, given the limited experience of the caretaker government currently in power. There is anticipation that new experts will join the new technocratic government and help with the current situation, while working with international organizations in the economic sphere."; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] Deir ez-Zor, Syria - Feb 21, 2025 11. Dialogue Session with preparatory committee for Syrian National Dialogue Conference in progress; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] Damascus, Syria - Feb 25, 2025 12. Traffic, pedestrians. [Restriction - No Access Chinese Mainland/Orient TV/Syria Alshaab TV/Zanoubia TV/Alhurra TV/ANN TV/Al Jazeera/ Al-Arabiya TV]