Towards a New SyriaTowards a New Syria

In the middle of all of these overwhelming feelings of hope, disappointment, uncertainty, and fear, I remember the voice of my father saying, “All people have the government they deserve.” I became furious every time he said this. In his statement, I saw blaming the victim and undeniable accusation towards people living under some kind of political regime, as if they have brought it to themselves! But now, I say it with him and see hope, promise, and recognition that the actions of individuals can determine the destiny of all. So, what threat are we exactly facing? And what opportunity lies ahead? How can past mistakes be avoided? What is the most appropriate discourse style? This post seeks to address several issues that are directly related to ongoing social movement in Syria, in the hope of establishing a common ground on which everyone, as Syrians, can stand to engage in a meaningful discussion.

The credit for what we are living and celebrating today goes to those who were brave enough to see what others ignored, sought knowledge, and shouted at the top of their lungs despite the knives that were put on their necks. They revolutionized and called for what they believed in—over the course of decades—and awakened those who slept while paying a heavy price. The responsibility today lies on us all, and it’s to make sure that their sacrifices are valued and preserved so that no one else will pay the same cost ever again.

To prevent the same scenario from happening again, our responsibility lies in learning from our past mistakes. When Hafez Al-Assad claimed the rule, he stated that Syria is a democratic country, freedoms are reserved, and emergency law is temporary. He also emphasized multiple times the impossibility of accepting anything less than the return of the entire Golan. Back then, we didn’t have the ability to access this history, this way of thinking and actions, unlike what we have today.
The idea of knowing the actual intentions and plans remains impossible through official statements and speech, but it could be derived from past actions, one’s way of thinking, previous similar experiences, and observations of soft and temporal changes that hide between the lines and escape from decisions.

Most powers and political troops with their different names and categories have their own goals and inspirations independent of what the people need and aim for, and they constantly work on achieving them, which is normal. Giving equal chances and waiting is important, but when these aspirations don’t align with the aims and policies of the people’s desires and interests, it becomes important to stand against this power, ask the hard questions, call for complete transparency and fair policies, not neglect, make concessions, accept transgressions, or wait until it claims the whole power and grows.