Syria has entered a transformative moment. After over a decade of devastating civil war, the Assad regime has been overthrown, marking a seismic shift in the nation's trajectory. While this moment brings immense hope, it also presents profound challenges—rebuilding communities, addressing sectarian divides, and navigating the complexities of international dynamics.

In this mini-series, we unpack this pivotal moment for Syria. Through in-depth conversations with experts deeply involved in Syria’s peace processes and civil society, we reflect on lessons learned, explore the nation’s crossroads, and discuss what it takes to turn this moment of change into a foundation for durable peace.

Hind Kabawat shares her recent experiences returning to Damascus after 14 years, reflecting on a nation scarred by war yet brimming with hope. Hind, a key figure in Syrian peace negotiations and a staunch advocate for women's inclusion, discusses the vital role women play in shaping Syria's future. From leading educational initiatives in refugee camps to advocating for transitional justice, Syrian women are rewriting their narrative as changemakers, not bystanders.

Hind delves into the challenges and opportunities of a future Syrian National Dialogue, highlighting the importance of gender equality, trust-building, and inclusive representation to ensure a sustainable peace.

Ammar Abdulhamid offers an in-depth analysis of Syria’s transitional moment and the challenges ahead. Drawing on decades of advocacy for democratic reform and his experience briefing world leaders, Ammar discusses the current sentiment on the ground, the promise of a resurgent civil society, and the critical role of governance.

He highlights the importance of fostering inclusivity amidst Syria's rich religious and cultural diversity, the necessity for international partners to listen to local voices, and the delicate balancing act facing new leadership.

Ivan reflects on lessons from the Geneva peace talks and shares his assessment of Syria’s evolving governance landscape. Ivan explores the critical tracks that must be advanced in parallel for a successful Syrian transition: security, service delivery (including education, electricity, healthcare, transportation, and infrastructure), and civic space (politics, governance, and civil society). He underscores the importance of the international community listening to Syrians to understand their needs, avoiding the imposition of rushed timelines for essential governmental transitions, and ensuring external support aligns with Syrian priorities rather than Western-driven agendas.

Betsy shares her insights into the challenges and opportunities facing Syria in the wake of the Assad regime, exploring the groundwork laid for transitional justice, governance, and reconciliation.

As Syria grapples with economic hardship, damaged infrastructure, and the formation of an interim government, Betsy evaluates the role of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in shaping a more inclusive future. While HTS has made promises about incorporating diverse voices, Betsy emphasizes the need for tangible action to match rhetoric. Betsy discusses how Syrians can build a democracy rooted in collaboration and shared goals.