There are reasons for optimism. The committee includes Hind Kabawat, a Christian professor of interfaith peacebuilding who has lived in Canada, and Houda Attasi, who founded a humanitarian organisation that helps women and minorities. If their voices are listened to, the convention may be more inclusive than many have feared.

But in Damascus constitutional declarations feel like a distraction from daily hardships. The economy is dire. Sanctions are still biting, perhaps more than at any time in the past decade. Security outside the capital is shaky, as some turn to robbery and ransom. Sanctions relief is vital. And Mr Sharaa and his government know that the only way sanctions will be eased is if outsiders believe their promises to create a broadly based government.

National politics may feel far removed from the reality of most Syrians’ lives. But if things are to improve, the starting point is politics. It is still too early to judge the sincerity of Mr Sharaa’s declared promise of a Syria for all. In March he will name a transitional government. Along with the new committee’s progress, this will offer the clearest sign of the direction in which he is taking the country—and whether international support, plus sanctions relief, will materialise. Syria’s battered people are holding their breath.

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