In this episode of our Lawyering Peace Podcast Post-Assad Syria Mini Series, we sit down with Betsy Popken, Chief Legal Advisor to the Syrian Opposition during the Geneva Peace Talks. Betsy shares her unique 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—including Alawites, Druze, and women—Betsy emphasizes the need for tangible action to match rhetoric.

From the potential of a national dialogue to create a new constitution to the role of civil society organizations in fostering reconciliation, Betsy discusses how Syrians can build a democracy rooted in collaboration and shared goals. She also cautions against replicating the missteps of past Arab Spring transitions and underscores the importance of learning from those experiences.

Join us for a compelling conversation about the hopes, challenges, and critical decisions shaping Syria’s transition, as well as the lessons the international community and Syrians themselves can draw on to create a more inclusive and just future.

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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 our latest mini-series, the Lawyering Peace Podcast dives into this pivotal moment for Syria. Through in-depth conversations with experts deeply involved in Syria’s peace processes, 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 lasting peace.