Activist confirms: decentralization as foundation of Syria’s unity

Popular and political demands are intensifying within Syria for the adoption of a democratic decentralized system that guarantees the participation of all societal components in governance, while preventing the resurgence of the authoritarianism experienced under decades of centralized rule. Activists and experts alike assert that the upcoming phase necessitates the formulation of a national dialogue and a new constitution that accommodates the country’s ethnic, religious, and cultural diversity, and establishes a modern state based on justice and inclusion rather than exclusivity and marginalization.

The failure of centralization through historical experience

In this context, ANHA's agency conducted an interview with Jibrail Mustafa, an activist, human rights defender, and member of the Syrian Lawyers Initiative coordinating committee defending leader Abdullah Ocalan. Mustafa stated, “Centralization may yield certain superficial gains in the short term; however, it simultaneously undermines democracy and pluralism, ultimately producing negative outcomes for any nation or people.”

He clarified that decentralization embodies political, legal, social, and cultural diversity, as well as the freedoms of choice and expression.

“When an individual is free in their will, they commit genuinely to national unity, and their will becomes stronger than any imposed authority. Experiences have shown that decentralized systems whether federal or confederal enhance state cohesion,” Mustafa explained.

He cited the failure of centralized regimes in multiple countries, referencing the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 after decades of centralized rule, and the failures of authoritarian regimes such as the Ba’athist governments in Syria and Iraq, as well as regimes in Libya, Yemen, and Romania. Mustafa affirmed that these experiences unequivocally demonstrate that centralization leads only to collapse.

He urged Syrians to adopt a fundamentally new mindset, distinct from the Ba’athist mentality that confined state and society under a single party and sole leader.

“After more than five decades of Ba’athist rule in Syria, the failure of centralization has become apparent not only in terms of governance but also across society, geography, and the Syrian people themselves. Therefore, following the fall of the Ba’ath regime, it is essential to establish a new system grounded in logic and realism, tailored to Syria’s unique historical, geographical, political, and societal realities,” he emphasized.

decentralization: A guarantee of national unity

Mustafa underscored that decentralization whether federal, confederal, or any other political configuration is among the most crucial factors that reinforce national unity and preserve Syria’s territorial integrity.

He stressed that decentralization fosters a genuine sense of national belonging among all Syrians, unlike authoritarian systems which breed further oppression, generating dangerous backlash.

“The transitional government in Damascus must strive to draft a democratic decentralized model that maintains Syria’s geographical and political unity, while simultaneously safeguarding the rights of all ethnicities, communities, and religions. If we are to preserve Syria, it must not be a mere replica of past regimes, but rather founded on realistic geographical, historical, and political principles. With this spirit and cooperative effort, we can rebuild Syria anew,” Mustafa concluded.

Turkish intervention deepens the Syrian crisis

Addressing Turkish intervention in Syria, Mustafa remarked, “Ankara’s involvement is tied to its historical legacy, whether through its Turkish dimension or its Ottoman past,” noting that this intervention has only compounded complexities and challenges.

Contrary to popular narratives, Mustafa argued that Turkey’s opening of its borders to Syrians was not motivated by compassion or support for the Syrian people against regime oppression, but rather by self-interest commercializing the refugee issue and securing billions in European and other aid, from which Syrians ultimately gained nothing.

He added that Turkey exploited Syrians as mercenaries in Libya, Azerbaijan, and Nigeria, striving to impose artificial ties between Syrians and other peoples.

“What connection do Syrians have to Turkish intelligence directives in Azerbaijan? What relevance do they have in the Libyan conflict? The Syrian people revolted to overthrow the regime, whereas Turkey has sought from the outset to advance its own interests through the so-called ‘Misak- Milli’ project,” Mustafa said.

He further noted that in 2016, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan described the Treaty of Lausanne as a “stab in the back” for Turkey, as it deprived Ankara of its expansionist ambitions. All Turkish interventions in Syria, therefore, are linked to this project rather than to protecting Syrians.

Following Turkey’s failure to establish the so-called “safe zone” along the border, Ankara continues to obstruct any genuine national unity among Syrians.

Turkey’s support for terrorism in the region

Mustafa highlighted Turkey’s role in fomenting civil strife between Arabs and Kurds, describing it as the largest state sponsor and financier of ISIS/Daesh and other terrorist groups in the Middle East. He pointed to evidence of Turkish arms support and facilitation of terrorist crossings into Syria and Iraq, as well as logistical and intelligence aid to ISIS mercenaries.

“The objective of this intervention was to annihilate the Syrian people and destabilize Iraq as well. The reality is that Turkey’s presence and involvement in any file brings only danger and devastation, igniting internal conflicts rather than establishing stability,” he concluded.

A Call for comprehensive national reconciliation

In closing, Mustafa emphasized the role of international institutions in resolving the Syrian crisis, noting that the United Nations and others were established to achieve peace and justice, yet some have become tools in the hands of major powers. He called on the transitional government in Damascus to open the door for comprehensive national reconciliation and invite all parties both domestic and foreign +to a national dialogue encompassing all political and societal components.

“This inclusive dialogue is the path to restoring national cohesion, stability, and peace in Syria,” he affirmed.

ANHA