Overview of the National Coordination Body in Syria
The National Coordination Body (NCB) is a prominent opposition alliance in Syria, formed in March 2011 in response to the Syrian revolution. Comprising various nationalist, communist, and socialist parties, the NCB positions itself as the internal opposition and has been active in significant political dialogues, including the Riyadh 1 conference. Its formation marked a pivotal moment in uniting disparate opposition factions under a common agenda aimed at fostering political change in Syria.
Historical Context and Formation
Following the onset of the Syrian revolution, a collective effort emerged to create a national coordination body that could effectively unify opposition voices. This initiative began on March 25, 2011, leading to the establishment of the NCB on June 30, 2011. The founding members emphasized the need for a cohesive political structure that could counter the regime's tactics of exploiting opposition divisions. The NCB's foundational goals included establishing a political dialogue and advocating for basic human rights, such as the release of political prisoners and the withdrawal of military forces from urban areas.
Objectives and Political Agenda
The NCB aims to consolidate the opposition's demands both domestically and internationally. Key objectives include: - Securing the release of political detainees. - Promoting peaceful demonstrations. - Lifting the state of emergency. - Ensuring accountability for acts of violence. In its founding statement, the NCB also called for a national conference to establish a transitional government and implement reforms that guarantee equal citizenship rights and uphold the rights of national minorities.
Organizational Structure
The NCB operates through a multi-tiered administrative structure, with the National Council at its apex. This council formulates general policies and is composed of representatives from various political parties and the popular movement. The Executive Office, elected by the National Council, is responsible for executing these policies across several specialized sub-offices, such as Foreign Relations and Human Rights.
International Engagement and Challenges
In September 2011, the NCB expanded its influence by establishing an office abroad, mirroring its domestic structure. However, internal disputes led to significant resignations within this diaspora branch, highlighting ongoing challenges in maintaining unity among opposition factions. The NCB has also played a crucial role in the High Negotiations Committee, which oversees negotiations with the Syrian regime under UN auspices, demonstrating its commitment to a political resolution to the conflict.
Recent Developments
Tensions within the NCB have surfaced post-Riyadh 1 conference, leading to the formation of the National Coordination Body - Movement for Democratic Change in 2017 by former member Munther Khaddam. This new entity aims to realign the NCB with a national political agenda, indicating the ongoing evolution of opposition dynamics in Syria.
