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For those who are concerned that his actions might not match his words, this apparent move to formalise the positions of some prominent foreign fighters may give them further pause for thought.
The appointments appear to have been made in order to reward those fighters – whether from Syria or elsewhere – who played a significant role in the final triumph over the regime.
For the same reason, some of the remaining foreign fighters – along with their families – now seem likely to be given Syrian citizenship.
The issue is just one of many that could complicate any successful transition to a new political and social framework in Syria.
The new authorities are putting a lot of weight on a National Dialogue Conference that is being prepared to bring together representatives from all sections of society – although no date has been set.
The hope is that the conference will set in motion the process to rebuild the institutions of the broken and divided country.
