Al-Dandashi was born to the wealthy Dandashi clan, a major political family based in Talkalakh.

With his leadership position, he built a large power base, consisting of intellectuals, lawyers, and student activists.

Under al-Dandashi, the LNA emerged as a more confrontational counterweight to the National Bloc which ultimately favored negotiating Syria's independence from French rule through diplomatic and other non-violent means.

[1] Al-Dandashi died in 1935 when he looked out from the window while riding a train and his head subsequently struck a tunnel wall.

[1] Al-Dandashi's death, the subsequent defection of Zaki al-Arsuzi to the Ba'ath Party and the expulsion of Sabri al-Asali greatly reduced the influence of the LNA in Syrian politics.