KUWAIT CITY, May 5: Official spokesperson and member of the Syrian National Dialogue Committee Huda Al-Atassi hinted on what could be on the mind of every Syrian and Arab citizen regarding the fate of Syria under the new regime led by interim President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, who called for the formation of the committee that is composed of a select group of educated individuals in various fields, regardless of affiliation. Al-Atassi explained that although 80 percent of the committee members are Sunnis; its primary concerns are dialogue and bringing together the views of all components of the Syrian people, citing the committee’s meeting with the Alawites as evidence. She revealed that the issue of Qatari gas pipelines passing through Syrian territory to Europe is on the negotiation table, indicating that the new regime believes the current period is best suited to the absence of a prime minister in Syria.

On rumors about a retaliatory response by the new regime against Bashar Al-Assad’s supporters, Atassi categorically denied this; disclosing that the new regime demanded they surrender their weapons and gave them a month to sign pledges to cease violence. She stated that during the first two months of the conquest, Syria witnessed no problems or bloodshed. She went on to say that she could hardly believe the position of the Druze minority, especially since more than 90 percent of them refuse to submit to the Druze of Israel, as some of them have been deceived. She pointed out there are hidden external hands working to incite instability and chaos in the country by Al-Assad and his men who plundered the Syrian people’s wealth. Following is an excerpt of the interview:

Answer: The committee was formed through a presidential decree issued by the President of the Republic on Feb 8, 2025. It comprises of seven members. Naturally, its presence is not merely decorative. Rather, the presidency is keen on maintaining constant communication with the committee, especially since the purpose its purpose is not luxury; as it was created due to the circumstances that Syria has been experiencing since the end of 2024.

A: When forming the committee, consideration was given to including members with competence, experience and intellectual diversity; not sectarianism. Therefore, each member of the committee comes from a cultural background -- whether from civil society or from figures interested in interfaith dialogue. It includes writers, thinkers and scholars in Medicine, Law and Construction.

A: The Shias were not included in the committee, as the President did not intend for this committee to be comprised of various sects. He focused on the committee being composed of intellectually educated elites from various fields. We communicate with everyone.

A: Yes, most of them are Sunnis.

A: Around 80 percent. Let me clarify that one of the committee’s goals is to communicate with all segments and components of Syrian society. It was not formed from all components, lest it be described as a quota committee. Syria is for everyone and for all its components, based on competence; not religious, ideological or intellectual affiliations.

A: The committee’s goal and what it cares about is to hold dialogues and discussions with all segments of society. Therefore, the committee members were not chosen based on quotas.

A: The dialogues began five days after the committee’s formation. The committee visited all 16 Syrian governorates. We met with all components of the governorates. We requested the attendance of 50 individuals at a single meeting, but we were surprised by the attendance of hundreds. The meeting was open for opinions to be expressed. We listened to all their problems, concerns, suggestions and recommendations.

A: Yes, they did.

A: Naturally, the Syrian people -- from all walks of life -- welcomed the new regime, while some had reservations. This was true for all groups, without specifying a certain topic.

A: Because some were asking, “Who are these newcomers who liberated Syria from the former regime?” And how would the new regime deal with them? Would it respond to them? Or would it dictate opinions and directions?

A: Everyone agreed on transitional justice, redressing grievances and granting rights to those who lost their fathers, brothers, and others. Security and safety were among the most important demands, as all components of society underscored the importance of stability in Syria.

A: We sensed from the Syrian people that they want to live and forget the wounds of the past 14 years. We sensed that 100 percent of the Syrian people want to open a new page and turn the page on the past.

A: We visited Sweida, which has the largest Druze community. It was one of the best governorates we have visited,and their reception of us was very good, especially since the people of Sweida are highly cultured and educated. They are the people of Al-Karamah Square. Before the fall of Al-Assad’s regime, they were demonstrating against him, and as a sect they believe in justice.

A: I still can’t believe what happened.

A: Do you mean Israel? Israel took a small portion of the weak-willed Druze and tempted them with certain things, but 90 percent of our Druze people are not like these weak-willed people.

A: Yes, since the few weak-willed ones -- and I confirm they are a small minority -- have succumbed to the Israeli Druze.

A: Thank Allah, we are confronting the remnants and they are being controlled. We already anticipated more problems, as it happened with the coastal problems, because hidden hands are still at work.

A: Bashar is inciting. He is certainly trying with all his might to undermine Syrian cohesion to achieve his own goals. The countries that supported him are certainly behind this, but he will not succeed. We trust the awareness of the Syrian people, because the vast majority supports the new Syrian regime.

A: Of course, because they believe their plunder of the Syrian people has stopped, as they were the primary beneficiaries of Bashar Al-Assad, especially since they forced the Syrian people to live below the poverty line, while Bashar’s gang was stealing the people’s livelihood.

A: Quite the opposite. Syria was liberated at the end of December 2024. For two months after the liberation, no problems arose. The new regime entered as conquerors and negotiators. The Military Operations Command entered to ask them to hand over their weapons and leave peacefully. They opened up areas for the exit of anyone who wished to surrender their weapons. The goal of the new regime was to prevent Syrians from fighting each other and to prevent bloodshed. Therefore, power was transferred smoothly. If the current government had intended to fight, it would have done so in the first months. If it had been confronted with force, it would have dealt with it violently.

A: Every action has a reaction. For the first two months, everyone was treated equally, without exception. After the Army was dissolved, all Syrian individuals carrying weapons were asked to go to designated centers to surrender their weapons. We asked those who committed crimes against the Syrian people to express their regret, so that they could be dealt with according to the logic of ‘May God forgive what happened by now.’ Therefore, settlement centers were opened for everyone carrying weapons and anyone with a problem in the area in which they live. When they settle and sign a declaration that they will not return to that approach again, they are given a chance. They were given a month to settle their differences. This is what happened. However, when some rebel movements began in certain areas, they intended to destabilize security and create chaos. It is only natural that the security forces dealt with them as a reaction to maintain Syria’s security.

A: The president and the new administration insist on and strive to preserve the blood of the Syrian people and reject violence in all its forms. There are clear and strongly worded instructions to the General Security and the Army to deal with Syrians without retaliation.

A: They do not exceed hundreds, which is a very small number for a country with a history like Syria.

A: I think this will happen because the current transitional Syrian government is accepted by all segments of the population. If elections were held today, President Al-Sharaa would win.

A: I assure you that if we held elections today, and they were naturally transparent and fair, 80 percent of the Syrian people would vote for President Al-Sharaa.

A: Because he will ensure Syria’s stability. He is the only person who can unite all components of the Syrian people, as evidenced by his previous convening of all armed factions under his leadership.

A: Because the current regime is a presidential system and this system is used in many countries.

A: What has been agreed upon is the appropriate thing for Syria currently.

A: He has not been ruled out. The ruling system is not dependent on individuals. Mr. Bashir is currently part of the government, as he holds the position of Minister of Energy and Oil. He has not been ruled out, but the new regime preferred not to have a prime minister, regardless of the individual.

A: Work has begun on drafting the new constitution.

A:At least two years, especially since drafting the constitutions of countries requires scrutiny and precision.

A: Praise Allah, there is a very high level of acceptance of Syrian President Al-Sharaa. He has very strong relations with all heads of states. Thus, he is welcomed with great enthusiasm whenever he visits any country and holds meetings with Arab leaders, particularly since Syria was isolated for many years during the rule of Bashar Al-Assad. Thank Allah, it has returned to the Arab fold. Syria has returned to its normal position among its Arab brothers, especially given its geographical position in the middle of the Arab region. Syria will rebuild its people and country and heal the wounds of the past years.

A: Qatar has never stopped supporting Syria, whether before or after the gas pipeline issue.

A: This is one of the topics on the negotiation table. As Syrians, our relationship with our Arab brothers has not ceased, whether with the Qataris or other Gulf and Arab states, especially since the new Syrian regime, led by President Al-Sharaa, seeks to lift the international sanctions imposed by Bashar Al-Assad.

A: Yes, economic and banking sanctions, because lifting these sanctions will speed up Syria’s recovery. Economic and social activities will strongly recover after all international sanctions are lifted.

A: Yes, support comes from some sisterly countries. Whatever the previous regime left in the Central Bank before its escape was small. There are also some revenues, such as customs and tax collections, but the State remains faltering. However, plans are currently being put in place to help Syria emerge from these financial crises.

A: Provincial administrations are currently conducting studies on reconstruction, rubble removal and the beginning of reconstruction.

A: More than $40 billion.

A: Yes, Russia has been asked to hand over Bashar Al-Assad. President Al-Sharaa’s administration is insisting on this.

A:Because this is the right of the Syrian people.

A: Sunnis have the highest percentage, around 50 percent.

A: Unfortunately, Syria has no census authority now. President Al-Sharaa’s administration will create a database to list all sects by age, so that we can assist everyone through plans developed based on accurate information.

A: Renew the bonds of cooperation and friendship with the State of Kuwait.