Journalist validates Swedia fears as existential beyond politics

Swedia province remains a place that witnesses unrest and insecurity on a continuing basis since the last July events due to fears about the future of the province.

In this regard, the reporter, Rawad Blan, clarified that the overall situation in Swedia "is still very worrying and critical" because, according to him, the community there lives in fear and uncertainty due to the security and military situation as well as because of the continued partial siege laid on the province. According to Blan, the absence of an idea on how the comprehensive national government will be established and will represent all the components of Syria raises fears among the inhabitants of the region. Moreover, they do not know what to expect from the coming future.

Discussing the reasons behind Swedia 's refusal of the interim government and its agencies, Blan said that the "Black July" events that happened there last year were a turning point in relations with Damascus.

He also mentioned that the current government's ideological and political approach, based on "an ideology that hates the other," does not reflect a genuine inclination toward partnership with the various Syrian components.

According to Blan, any effort at restoring trust must include practical measures, such as recognition of the massacres committed during the events of July, repatriation of IDPs back to their villages, taking punitive action against those responsible for the abuses, compensation to the victims, and removal of the curbs placed on the province allowing more control over its internal security and affairs within the context of the Syrian state. It is his contention that the government currently in power has not shown any sign of taking into account the demands of the people in Swedia and solving the crisis facing them. The province is still seen as a bargaining tool in both politics and regional relations, especially in dealing with Israel.

He noted that the most pressing concern for the people of Swedia is what he described as an "existential threat," explaining that the sense of threat among residents precedes any discussions about political participation or contributing to shaping the country's future.

Regarding ways to maintain stability, Blan stressed the necessity of a genuine political will to find solutions to the crisis, free from pressure and attempts to impose a fait accompli. He warned that continued tension could open the door to new foreign interventions in Syria.

In addition, he stressed the need for developing a new relationship between Swedia and the interim government through decentralization and recognizing the uniqueness of the region. This will enable people to organize themselves and help build institutions within their own community. He stressed that any form of relationship must be built on partnership and equality. In the letter sent to the interim government, Blan warned against further justification of foreign interference in southern Syria as a result of pressure from the interim government and the ongoing blockade.

He also called for the residents of Swedia to pay attention to reconstruction in their regions, working on developmental and political aspects and engaging in discussions with all sides. It will help, he added, in overcoming the transitional period to attain a stable situation in the region, without overlooking the rights of the victims of what the region has seen during the last few years.

ANHA