Hamdan al-Abed: Syrians’ hopes after Baath fall not achieved

Yesterday (8 December) marked the first anniversary of the fall of the Baath regime. On this occasion, Hamdan al-Abed, the co-vice president of the Executive Council of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, affirmed that Syrians had hoped this major shift would mark the beginning of a new phase that would end more than fourteen years of war. However, reality has not met the people’s aspirations so far.

Al-Abed said that the Syrian people suffered for years from foreign interventions—whether Turkish, Iranian, or others—alongside the rise of ISIS mercenaries and various warring factions.

He added that Syrians were looking forward to establishing a new Syria after the fall of the Baath regime—“a free, democratic Syria that respects freedom of opinion and expression, includes all its components without exclusion, and adopts a decentralized system that accommodates all its sons and daughters.”

Al-Abed explained that during the first year, what Syrians hoped for did not come to pass.

 The economic, political, and security crises remain, while regional interventions—particularly the Turkish one—have continued to cement division instead of bolstering national unity.

He pointed out that what happened in the coastal areas and Sweida, and the ongoing killings, kidnappings, and security chaos in the interior, all reveal that the promises remained unfulfilled, and that sectarian and racist rhetoric is still present—and has even increased.

Al-Abed stressed that some areas that were “liberated” have not actually been freed, as they remain under the influence of external powers or mercenary groups that do not comply with the decisions of the transitional government. He added that the constitutional declaration, the so-called “Victory Conference,” and the formation of parliament all failed to meet the desires of all Syrians and instead served the interests of a specific group.

Regarding North and East Syria, al-Abed affirmed that their project and internal unity formed a solid barrier that protected the region and its people from ISIS attacks.

He added: “While we were fighting terrorism, some factions were busy with their internal disputes.” Despite this, sleeper cells continue to operate, supported by external actors and fueled by inflammatory media that worsens divisions among Syrians.

Al-Abed discussed announced agreements—most notably the April 1 Agreement in Aleppo—which have still not been implemented. He pointed to the continued prevention of displaced people from Afrin, Serê Kaniyê, Girê Spî, and other areas from returning to their homes, in addition to ongoing shelling, clashes, and road closures between the Autonomous Administration regions and Damascus—factors that deepen suffering and feed hostile rhetoric toward the region.

He clarified that the demand of the current stage is clear, saying: “We want an inclusive national dialogue that brings together political parties, civil society organizations, social actors, women, and youth with the aim of building the foundations of a democratic, pluralistic, decentralized state.”

He continued: “We also want a constitution that represents all Syrians, respects an inclusive national identity, guarantees the rights of ethnic, religious, and political components, and gives women and youth a real role in building Syria’s future.”

In conclusion, Hamdan al-Abed expressed his hope that 2026 will be a year of rapprochement and national unity, and that Syria will regain its vitality after many years of pain and suffering.

a.k

ANHA