Syria Begins National Dialogue but Without Kurdish-Led Militia

Syria’s interim president called on Tuesday for unity and the rebuilding of his fractured nation during a two-day conference meant to chart a path forward after decades of dictatorship.

Hundreds of participants attended the long-awaited “national dialogue” to bring together the country’s many religions and sects in the Syrian capital, Damascus, on Monday and Tuesday. But at least one major player was absent: The Kurdish-led militia that controls much of Syria’s northeast was not invited.

“Syria calls on you to stand together in unity and cooperation to heal its wounds, soothe its pain and support its recovery,” the president, Ahmed al-Shara, said in an address to conference participants.

What is the national dialogue?

Arab and Western leaders have urged Syria’s new rulers establish a representative government that is inclusive of all religious sects and ethnic groups before they can fully restore ties with Syria.

Mr. al-Shara, whose rebel coalition overthrew the longtime dictator Bashar al-Assad and seized control of Syria in early December, had promised to hold a national dialogue to discuss the formation of such a government.