This might be too late, but after my participation at the National Dialogue Conference two days ago, I had an interview with al-Araby TV, where I shared a few thoughts.

In the economic sessions at the conference, which I joined, there was more consensus than in other sessions, yet some divisions remained especially regarding the state’s role in the economy. Should it merely regulate the private sector, or should it also compete in certain areas? The role of monetary policy, the potential of digital currencies, and other economic concerns were also hotly debated.

The discussions were frank and transparent, which—given the organizational constraints—was an achievement in itself. Sessions were well-facilitated and allowed for genuine debate. There was also an emphasis on the need to open up political space and lift sanctions.

However, the conference’s final statement was fluffy, non-binding, and lacked a concrete roadmap. If there is no commitment to implementation, what’s the point of the discussions?

Additionally, the role of civil society was framed as if it's subordinate to the state and women’s rights, while acknowledged, there was no explicit commitment to gender equality.

Should I have participated? Syrians must move beyond the excessive idealism that once shaped political discourse after the uprising. For me and many participants, we viewed the conference simply as an opportunity to push the government's limits as far as possible.