I often find that the transitional government is very effective in its actions. When it has an idea, it moves quickly to implement it. Examples are the constitution or the national day of dialogue.
What I think is probably needed is a more sustainable process for national reconciliation, so a process that is not just about the constitution. I think the constitution is important. I think representation is important. However, what I think is really required is a sustained effort to rebuild national cohesion, to discuss what actually happened over the last 15 years or more. I mean, the Assad regime was 54 years long. There are deep wounds within the society. I think the government is taking positive steps in terms of appointing committees focused on missing persons—this is a cross-cutting issue that affects all Syrians—and on transitional justice, which is really also about reconciliation.
I think that is going to have to be a very sustained process. This isn't something that's going to be accomplished
in two or five years. I believe that the process should be generational.
It will require symbolism, which I think is important. Steps like making Nowruz a national holiday are very important.
But that's not enough.
It has to be accompanied by actions and a commitment by the government to prioritize this as necessary for national stability and cohesion and ultimately for peace and economic prosperity.