Displaying items by tag: Syria

Against the backdrop of the escalating crises that have occurred and are ongoing in various parts of the country, two contradictory views are circulating within Syrian circles regarding the country’s unity and the possibility of partitioning it. The first view considers partition impossible under any circumstances, while the second believes partition is inevitable and that it is only a matter of time. Neither view reflects objective facts and realities, either internal or external.

Official statements published by SANA on Saturday, August 9, citing “an official source in the Syrian government”, commenting on the “Components Unity Conference” held by the Autonomous Administration on Friday, August 8, in the Syrian city of Hasakah, reflect a clear contradiction within various texts issued by a single source, at almost the same time. These statements contrast calm and positive language calling for public dialogue, national consensus, and guaranteeing the right to assembly, political action, and political participation, with vociferous language throwing accusations of treason and threats in all directions. This contradiction reflects a recurring pattern: between positive promises and demonstrations of a desire for openness, and a practical approach that remains largely exclusive and far from participatory, viewing “security solutions”, i.e., the “logic of dominance”, as its fundamental path.

The visit of the Syrian foreign and defense ministers to Moscow on Thursday, July 31, and their meeting with the Russian foreign and defense ministers, followed by the Syrian foreign minister’s meeting with the Russian president, marked a significant turning point in the course of events in Syria following Assad’s flight. It could even be said that it was an unexpected surprise for many.

The media landscape is filled with news, statements, and analyses about US efforts to broker an agreement between the “Israeli” entity and the current Syrian government. Hebrew media, along with some Arab and international media outlets revolving in the same orbit, are striving to portray the matter as if an agreement has indeed been reached, with only a few “minor details” remaining, e.g., fate of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights.

There is hardly any disagreement among Syrians about the major political imperatives facing the country. Foremost among these imperatives are the unity of the country’s territory and people; its sovereignty and civil peace; genuine transitional justice, not vindictive, retributive, or selective, allowing for redress for past harms and is based on an examination of the underlying causes to prevent their recurrence. The imperatives also include a unified national army that ends the faction-based divide and is built on competence and a comprehensive national identity that views all Syrians as equal citizens, and its mission is to defend Syrians against external aggression and uphold the constitution, which in turn must protect the freedom of Syrians in its political, social, and cultural dimensions.

As soon as the ceasefire between the Zionist entity and Iran went into effect, the American and “Israeli” media and political machine began aggressively promoting forthcoming normalization agreements with “several countries in the region”. Over the past two days, a number of “Israeli” newspapers and websites have published what they called “leaks” about supposed agreements to be signed with Syria, pursuant to which Syria would relinquish the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, not to mention the volume of rumors circulating online.

The current authorities, represented by Syrian interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, raised the slogan “War on Poverty” a few days ago. This is a justified and ambitious slogan, one that resonates with the desires of more than 90% of Syrians who have lived below the poverty line for years.

The experiences of Tunisia, Egypt, Sudan, Libya, and others teach us that the mere collapse of a ruling authority does not necessarily mean the fall of the ruling regime in its socioeconomic dimension – that is, the manner of distributing wealth and dealing with the country, its economy, and the rights of its people, whether in the national, democratic, or social sense. Those experiences also teach us that the collapse of a tyrannical and plundering regime cannot turn into a true and complete victory for the oppressed and plundered people unless it is complemented by building of a radically different new system – one that is socioeconomically just, democratic, and patriotic. One that preserves the sovereignty and wealth of its country, and through which the people can govern themselves.

Since Assad fled – nearly six months ago – we have, through Kassioun, repeatedly said:

US sanctions will not be lifted anytime soon, and let’s work to relaunch the Syrian economy, whether the sanctions are lifted or not, while continuing to demand lifting them.

Over the past week, media reports, mostly in the West, have discussed the possibility of Syrian normalization with “Israel”. This discussion has taken place within several contexts, including Trump’s visit to the Gulf states and the link between lifting US sanctions on Syria and normalization with the Zionist entity.