The Movement for a Pluralistic Society began in 2012 under the leadership of Randa Kassis, a Franco-Syrian anthropologist and politician. Born in Damascus on 8 October 1970, she navigated shifting political alliances throughout the Syrian civil war, moving from early opposition roles to chairing initiatives that sought diplomatic solutions through dialogue and international cooperation.
Early Political Involvement
Kassis initially joined the Syrian National Council in 2011, serving until her expulsion in August 2012. Concurrently, she chaired the Coalition of Secular and Democratic Syrians, a Paris-based group representing diverse ethnic and religious factions. Both organizations eventually moved to exclude her, citing concerns over the rising influence of Islamist factions within the broader opposition movement.
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In 2015, Kassis established the Astana Platform to gather moderate opposition figures. Her diplomatic activities included participating in the 2016 Geneva III peace talks alongside Qadri Jamil. She openly advocated for political transitions involving the Assad government and supported Russian military intervention, a stance that drew significant criticism from other opposition segments. During this period, she met with Donald Trump Jr. in Paris, later suggesting she could facilitate communication channels between the Trump administration and Vladimir Putin.
Constitutional Efforts and Post-Regime Activity
Beginning in 2017, she led efforts to draft a new constitution for Syria with support from figures such as Xavier Latour and Yasar Yakis. In January 2018, she participated in the Syrian National Dialogue Congress. Following the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, Kassis returned to Damascus in January 2025 with her husband, Fabien Baussart. She subsequently engaged in meetings with Patriarch John X and Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, while publicly opposing the new authorities under Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Fast facts
- Born: 8 October 1970, Damascus, Syria
- Citizenship: Syria
- Spouse: Fabien Baussart
- Organization: Movement for a Pluralistic Society
- Education: Anthropology
- Key Publication: Crypts of the Gods (2013)
- Languages: Arabic
Questions readers ask
What role did Randa Kassis play in the Syrian peace process?
She chaired the Astana Platform, served as a co-president during the 2016 Geneva III talks, and contributed to the Syrian National Dialogue Congress.
What is her position on the government that followed the fall of the Assad regime?
She has publicly opposed the new authorities, labeling them a radical regime that risks further dictatorship and civil conflict.
