In this powerful episode, we sit down with Hind Kabawat, Deputy Head of the Syrian Negotiation Commission Office in Geneva. Hind shares her insights from growing up in Damascus to becoming a key figure in the Geneva peace talks.

Hind delves into the profound challenges faced during the Syrian conflict, from the brutal dictatorship to the devastating chemical attacks in Ghouta. She recounts the harrowing experiences of Syrian activists and civilians who have endured unimaginable suffering, and how the Arab Spring ignited a flame of hope among Syrians longing for change.

As a lawyer and peacebuilder, Hind emphasizes the importance of women's involvement in peace negotiations. She discusses her pioneering efforts to create a women's consultation, overcoming opposition from male colleagues, and ultimately securing a 30% quota for women’s representation in the opposition delegation during the Syrian peace negotiations. Hind illustrates how these efforts brought together women from diverse backgrounds to push for justice, human rights, and the inclusion of their voices in shaping Syria’s future.

Listeners will gain insight into some of the challenges faced by the Syrian opposition delegation, including the difficulty of negotiating with actors actively killing their families and friends. Hind also provides insights into the delegation’s strategic use of media, and the critical roles played by women as well as grassroots movements in sustaining dialogue and preparing for a future peace. Hind candidly shares her views on the international community’s role, the failures of the Geneva talks, and the persistent need for transitional justice in Syria.

Hind’s story is a testament to the resilience and determination required to pursue peace in the face of adversity. Her message is clear: peace is not just about negotiations at the table; it’s about fostering a culture of dialogue, inclusion, and justice that transcends political will. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the dynamics of peacebuilding, the power of women in conflict resolution, and the ongoing struggle for a peaceful future in Syria.

In part two of our conversation with Robert Ford, former U.S. Ambassador to Syria, we delve into the turbulent years of 2011-2014, a period marked by the breakdown of dialogue, escalating conflict, and the Geneva Peace Talks.

Key Topics Covered:

• The Role of Embassies: Ford emphasizes the importance of neutrality in diplomatic missions, highlighting how U.S. involvement often complicates matters.
• Dialogue Gone Wrong: The attempted dialogue between the Syrian government and protesters was abruptly derailed, leading to a full-blown conflict and a call for a ceasefire by the UN.
• The Geneva Peace Talks: Ford provides an insider’s view of the Geneva process, where the Syrian opposition and government were supposed to negotiate a transitional government. However, the talks quickly fell apart when Assad’s regime refused to discuss political transition, focusing only on security arrangements.
• Challenges of Negotiation: Ford discusses the difficulty of overcoming a “no” in negotiations, especially when one side has a military advantage. This lack of compromise led to the collapse of the peace talks.
• Lessons for Mediators: Drawing from his experiences, Ford offers practical advice on coalition-building and the pitfalls of making promises that can’t be kept—a mistake the U.S. made repeatedly, damaging its credibility.

Tune in to this episode for a deep dive into the complexities of the Syrian crisis and the lessons that can be learned for future peace negotiations.

This episode of Lawyering Peace features part one of a conversation with Ambassador Robert Ford, who led the political office in the U.S. Embassy in Iraq from 2004 - 2006, during a pivotal time in the country’s history. Charged with helping Iraq rebuild its government, Ford offers a candid reflection on the challenges and lessons learned from the 2005 Iraqi elections—an event that was as much about international diplomacy as it was about democracy.

Key takeaways from the episode:

• UN-led Process: The 2005 Iraqi elections were spearheaded by the UN, but the U.S. played a significant role in ensuring security, highlighting the complexities of balancing international and local dynamics.
• Election Dynamics: The setup of the elections was influenced by various agendas, leading to unintended consequences, such as the Sunni boycott, which exacerbated existing political tensions.
• The Importance of Communication: Ford underscores the critical need for effective communication within and between different U.S. entities, such as the military and the embassy, to navigate the delicate post-conflict environment.
• Strategic Decisions: From promoting federalism to handling oil profits, Ford discusses the nuanced negotiations and strategic decisions that shaped Iraq’s transition from authoritarianism to democracy.

Robert Ford's insights offer a profound understanding of how elections, when not complemented by broader political processes, can sometimes deepen divides rather than bridge them.

Tune in to this episode for a deep dive into the realities of post-conflict elections and the lessons that can inform future peacebuilding efforts.