As international focus on Syria wanes, the Syrian Negotiating Commission (SNC) has redoubled its diplomatic efforts, meeting with key global actors to revive the stagnant political process. This renewed push comes despite ongoing tensions within the Turkish-backed Syrian opposition over-representation and the direction of Syria’s revolution.
During a consultative meeting with US officials, led by Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf, the SNC reiterated its demand for binding mechanisms to enforce international resolutions. Badr Jamous, head of the SNC, underscored the importance of collective international pressure to advance the political solution during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
“We need all active countries to support the political process and push for the implementation of international resolutions, especially the Geneva Statement and Resolution 2254,” said Jamous. “It’s imperative to stop the suffering of the Syrian people and achieve the radical political change they have sacrificed so much for.”
During the meeting, US officials expressed their continued support for a political resolution in Syria. Barbara Leaf reaffirmed US commitment to Resolution 2254, which outlines a roadmap for a ceasefire, political transition, and elections in Syria.
“The US supports the political process and is committed to achieving sustainable peace in Syria through the full implementation of Resolution 2254,” Leaf stated. She emphasized the need to end the suffering of the Syrian people, which has dragged on for over 13 years.
The US delegation also included Natasha Franceschi, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Levant and Near East Bureau, and Nicholas Granger, Director of the Syria Regional Platform at the US State Department. From the Syrian side, key figures like National Coalition head Hadi Al-Bahra and interim government leader Abdulrahman Mustafa participated in the discussions, in spite of calls for a dissolution of his government and removal.
The SNC’s recent diplomatic blitz is part of an effort to restore global attention to the Syrian crisis, particularly as it has slipped from the forefront of international priorities. In addition to the US State Department, the SNC has held meetings with a range of influential actors, including the French envoy to Syria, Jean-François Guillaume, and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
The SNC also engaged with European Union officials and representatives from nations such as Japan, Switzerland, and Germany, emphasizing the need for international cooperation to enforce existing resolutions.
According to an SNC source, “the leadership of the Commission aims to activate the political solution and bring the Syrian issue back into the priorities of the international community.” The source revealed that the SNC is preparing for “effective collective pressure operations” ahead of the UNGA meetings to develop practical steps for enforcing international resolutions.
While the SNC is engaging with international actors, tensions persist within the Turkish-backed Syrian opposition regarding its representation and the trajectory of the revolution. Disagreements have emerged over how to balance political negotiations with continued military efforts against the Assad regime. Some revolutionary elements feel that the revolution’s original goals are being sidelined in favor of diplomatic compromises, raising concerns about the future of the political process.
These internal divisions have hindered unified representation at critical international forums, complicating the SNC’s efforts to present a cohesive front. Nonetheless, Jamous and the SNC leadership have continued to call for radical political change, stressing that Syria’s future must reflect the aspirations of its people.
In addition to the political process, the SNC has repeatedly highlighted Syria’s worsening humanitarian situation. Jamous stressed the need for sustained international aid to address the pressing health, educational, and relief needs of the millions displaced by the Assad regime.
“The current aid available only meets a fraction of Syrians’ basic needs,” Jamous said. He called on the international community to increase its assistance, warning that the ongoing humanitarian crisis risks deepening the suffering of the Syrian people and prolonging instability in the region.
For now, the SNC remains determined to pressure the global community into action. As Jamous concluded, “The international community must assume its responsibilities and help end the 13-year suffering of the Syrian people. It’s time to move the political process forward.”
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