Confronting hate speech through consolidation of culture of dialogue

Hate speech targeting the various components and factions of Syrian society is intensifying, particularly aimed at the communities of North and East Syria and the Democratic Autonomous Administration of the region. This is a deliberate attempt to destabilize security and sow discord among the people.

In response, voices from all segments of society are rising to confront these inciting calls, affirming their commitment to civil peace, supporting the democratic process, and advocating for a united homeland that embraces all its citizens.

The autonomous administration as a bulwark against hate policies

In this context, ANHA agency conducted a series of interviews with academics and specialists in social and religious affairs. Academic and public affairs researcher Barham Khalid stated, “The current ruling authority feeds on sectarian and ethnic conflicts, exploiting them to consolidate its power and inflame disputes that serve its interests.” He stressed that their existence depends on these divisive policies and explained that the solution lies in confronting practices aimed at destabilizing communities.

Khalid added, “Looking back at the history of the Middle East, especially Syria, it has always been a garden of roses, embracing various sects and ethnicities that lived together peacefully, each according to its customs and traditions, away from hatred and animosity, within a framework of mutual respect and love.”

He pointed out that the Democratic Autonomous Administration has taken on the responsibility of confronting these conflicts and divisions, a fact proven recently as Syrian communities have grown increasingly aware of the dangers posed by inciting hate policies. He noted that Syrians today view northern and eastern Syria as a formidable barrier against these policies, which only bring wars and massacres.

Peaceful coexistence as the core message of religions

On her part, Kholoud Abdo, Coordinator of the Women’s Council at the Democratic Islam Conference, said, “We reject the hate speech that seeks to ignite strife among the Syrian people, who represent a beautiful mosaic that gives the country its unique character. We call on all religious figures and humanitarian organizations to reject such rhetoric and replace it with moderate discourse that promotes peaceful coexistence, dialogue, and decisions in favor of this society.”

Abdo referenced Quranic verses to support the call for communal living, citing the verse: “O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.” (Quran 49:13)

Exclusionary policies still dominate public discourse

Dalal Khalil, Coordinator of the Council of Religions and Beliefs in North and East Syria, remarked, “Bashar al-Assad’s regime was founded on exclusion, relying on a single sectarian and ideological perspective, rejecting all forms of diversity, which entrenched this approach among a large segment of society. Today, despite the existence of a transitional government, exclusionary ideas remain pervasive, clearly reflected in their rhetoric and current media.”

Khalil clarified that the Council of Religions and Beliefs is intensifying dialogue seminars and organizing conferences aimed at curbing hate speech and fostering a culture of peaceful and shared dialogue as an alternative to exclusionary and repressive discourse.

The rise of hate speech presents serious challenges to Syrian society, demanding concerted political, social, and religious efforts to confront it. Promoting a culture of dialogue and diversity must become a strategic choice to preserve civil peace and lay the foundation for a more stable and just future for all Syrians.

ANHA