In light of the end of the Assad regime, Syria today is no longer the state once known for its ancient history and harmonious society. For decades, it has been subjected to systematic fragmentation of its social fabric and the destruction of its political and economic foundations under a dictatorial regime that employed violence to tighten its grip. Ever since the Baath Party seized power, the regime has worked to drain the country of its intellectual vitality and modernization projects. It deliberately fueled sectarian strife and religious incitement, employing its security and military apparatus to subjugate the Syrian people and silence their voices, thus depleting the historical reserve of coexistence in this richly diverse nation.
Before the Baath seized the reins of power, Syria experienced a more dynamic political life. The national governments of that era strived to build a successful modern state with a sound social fabric, working to create a balanced political climate that allowed various social components to participate actively in development and decision-making. However, when power became a tool wielded by a clique determined to impose its ideology by force, the balance was upended. Freedoms diminished, educational institutions were destroyed, and economic liberties were shackled by sectarian constraints. This paved the way for external powers to exploit the ensuing chaos.
In recent decades, Syria witnessed repeated attempts to resist the Baathist approach, which drew its models from the totalitarian systems of the communist bloc. Syrian society faced numerous forms of repression, most prominently killing and displacement, as well as deepening sectarianism and the stirring up of divisions among various social groups. Amid this atmosphere, movements and voices emerged demanding change—through demonstrations, statements, and proclamations. The “Damascus Declaration” was one such peaceful civic attempt, aiming to revive Syria’s inclusive national role and achieve a genuine democratic transition.
With the outbreak of the Syrian revolution, the rebels scored some field victories, reclaiming certain towns from the regime’s grip. This represented a turning point in the Syrian people’s awareness of their rights. Yet, this initial success did not settle the struggle. Chaos opened the door to regional and international interventions. The Assad family sold the entire country in exchange for power and hollow prestige, turning Syria into an international battleground exploited by Iran, distorting the image of Islam by spreading ignorance and intellectual stagnation, and stifling productive minds by corrupting universities, discouraging enlightenment, and restricting any economic advancement along tribal lines.
This turbulent scene made it easier to spread propaganda that portrayed Syrians—especially Muslims—as inherently incapable of peaceful coexistence, while conveniently forgetting the shining chapters of Syrian history. Syrians had once welcomed Jews fleeing the Inquisition in Andalusia and rescued Armenians escaping conflict with the Ottoman authorities. They also warmly received migrants from Central Asia, from Mediterranean islands such as Sicily, and from the Maghreb during historical crises, integrating them into Syrian life as citizens, leaders, scholars, and influential traders.
This concentrated historical amnesia made it easy to present Syrians as mere fuel for false conflicts, depicting them as inheritors of terrorism and thereby giving Israel a pretext to justify unjustified military incursions.
Despite this bleak picture, there remains an opportunity to revive Syria anew—an opportunity to restore vitality to this “broken old man” who has been detained behind the bars of repression for 54 years. The world must demand a constructive approach to the Syrian issue and seize this chance to achieve a genuine renaissance that returns the country to a path of development and stability. Rather than transforming Syria into a venue for settling regional and international scores, efforts must focus on healing wounds and opening the door for genuine national forces to rebuild state institutions, stimulate economic and cultural development, and respect social and religious diversity. In this way, the Syrian people can regain their right to live in dignity under the sunlight of freedom—precisely what they hope for from the leaders of liberation who achieved victory against the tyranny and corruption of the former regime.
Amid this complex landscape, international rhetoric has also emerged that treats Syria as nothing more than "sand and death", as described by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Such statements ignore the reality of an ancient people who have lived for thousands of years, contributing to humanity and its civilization. Even if the Syrian people are not currently viewed as friends, they deserve full human dignity. They can indeed become true allies in shaping a shared future based on mutual respect and cooperation, just as they have been over the centuries—hosting diverse peoples and minorities and providing refuge to the persecuted from other lands.
It is no coincidence that UNESCO has described Syria as a “cradle of civilization,” acknowledging that its cultural and historical legacy transcends its borders and belongs to all of humanity, rather than to any single party. Instead of following the principle of “divide and conquer,” which may offer some fleeting gains, the international community should strive to support Syrians and encourage them to live under a higher, more noble vision—one free from the snares of extremism and hatred. Such an approach honors the future of the region and the world. By helping restore Syria’s civilizational and humanitarian role, and elevating it above artificial divisions, we can transform a dark present into a historic opportunity for integration, coexistence, and shared human innovation.
ليست هناك تعليقات:
إرسال تعليق