For decades, under the rule of Hafez al-Assad and then his son Bashar, Syrians suffered from the absence of political and party pluralism, as well as the suppression of diverse and differing opinions. No parties or movements with different orientations were allowed to operate. Political life was limited to one party and a handful of “customized” groups to fit the needs of the ousted regime.
Months after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, signs of failure began to surface in the way Syrians themselves managed political disagreement. This failure hindered efforts to rebuild the state and society on foundations of participation, equality, competence, and inclusivity, away from narrow individual interests.
Political analyst Hossam Taleb, who resides in Damascus, told +963, “The survival of the regime during the fourteen years following the popular movement had a significant impact on social and geographic cohesion. I do not say political cohesion because political disagreement should never be suppressed. On the contrary, it must reflect a spirit of vitality and development within society.”
Taleb added, “It is essential to unify the national discourse through drafting laws that protect citizenship across all of Syrian geography, activating dialogue, rejecting and isolating sectarian rhetoric, and presenting an inclusive national project. This should rely on legal experts, academics, and politicians who rise above regionalism and personal interests.”
Syrian writer Ali Al-Amin, residing in Kuwait, emphasized that “the geographic cohesion of the country is the result of its political cohesion. The Assad regime worked behind the scenes to create sectarian and ethnic sensitivities within Syrian society, making the cohesion of its people dependent on the regime’s presence. This policy was a tactic designed to maximize the regime’s chances of survival.”
He continued in statements to +963, “After the fall of the regime, Syrians felt that the nightmare dividing them had disappeared. Yet their joy at Assad’s escape was quickly replaced with shock at the reality of the alternative discourse. The current Syrian government has done little to mend the fractures within Syrian society.”
Al-Amin holds national leaders from all Syrian components responsible for forming a unified national front alongside the announcement of a program that would consolidate positions serving all Syrians without exception. This, he argues, will ensure that no new disasters occur in the future.
Syrian journalist Farouk Al-Naeemi told +963, “Syria needs, more than ever, a discourse different from what we have witnessed in recent months, along with legal frameworks to regulate this discourse. I am speaking not only about ordinary people but primarily about intellectuals and politicians. Political disagreement following the fall of the ousted regime has resulted in violations and crimes that must never happen again if we are to build a homeland based on pluralism and respect for differing opinions and ideas.”
Al-Naeemi further noted, “Syrian geography has become less connected in recent months, and Syrians more divided, with rising levels of mistrust among them. Many have blamed one another for all the country’s problems, using language of contempt and violence. This reality requires a reconsideration of many steps to build trust among all components of Syrian society. Much of this responsibility falls on influential political and cultural figures, as well as on the government to pass legislation that supports reconciliation.”
