Syria’s new rulers, now controlling Damascus, are sending mixed signals about the future direction of the country. On one hand, they pledge to preserve state institutions and respect the diversity of its population. On the other hand, they signal an intention to monopolize the delicate process of political transition and state power.
The path they choose will determine whether Syria repeats the mistakes of Lebanon and Iraq during their own transitions. In Iraq, this led to devastating consequences that still linger today. The new authorities in Damascus have taken steps to preserve the regular military institution, which is crucial for preventing state collapse.
However, concerns arise from their handling of the Baath Party, which has been in power since 1963, and their silence on relations with Kurdish-Syrian communities. This could risk antagonizing Turkey, a key player in Damascus’ governance project.
The new rulers have not yet given a clear indication regarding the trajectory of the transition they are overseeing. They also lack a unified roadmap, instead relying on UN Resolution 2254, which outlines an orderly transition with two priorities: safeguarding the state and averting further bloodshed.
It is crucial for Western governments to press Damascus’ new rulers to initiate a genuinely inclusive political transition in line with the principles outlined in the 2015 resolution. Syrian civil society must urgently mobilize to create spaces for political and civil dialogue that transcend communal affiliations.
Avoiding Syria’s fate requires prioritizing equal access to basic services and fundamental rights, such as healthcare, education, employment, and housing, in an inclusive manner rather than exclusive and sectarian. By fostering active citizenship and building horizontal connections across communal divides, Syrians can ensure a future free from the corrosive legacies of al-Assad’s authoritarianism.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2024/12/16/syrias-new-rulers-must-not-repeat-the-past-mistakes-of-lebanon-and-iraq