Sheikh Ghazal Ghazal: salvation from injustice lies in federalism, decentralization

The head of the Supreme Alawite Islamic Council in Syria and abroad, Sheikh Ghazal Ghazal, issued a statement one day after the end of the "Dignity Strike" he called for on December 8th, which ended yesterday, December 13th, and lasted for five days in protest against the crimes and practices committed against members of the Alawite community.

In his statement, after welcoming the commitment and steadfastness of the Alawite community despite all the difficulties, challenges, and pressures, Sheikh Ghazal Ghazal said: "We do not stand today at a crossroads... but on a dividing line between right and wrong." He indicated that what the "de facto authority" offers to our people is neither a favor nor a kindness... for rights are not granted by them, as we are not their followers.

He added that this authority has "failed" to perform its most basic duties, stressing that the solution lies in federalism and political decentralization, noting that the greatest countries in the world today are built on federalism and decentralization, such as the United States of America and the United Arab Emirates. He added that these experiences are living proof that federalism is a path to peace, stability, and prosperity, not a means of fueling tension, division, and war.

Sheikh Ghazal affirmed that they reject the idea of ​​people being ruled and governed by force, oppression, and blind obedience. He stated that they must be "governed by law, with their full right to self-determination, and through a consensual, democratic, and truly decentralized political constitution that guarantees all rights."

Addressing the Alawite community, Sheikh Ghazal said that despite all the injustice and tyranny they have faced, their only shield is their unity. He emphasized that they will not be defined or represented by any single individual or group.

ANHA