Syria between Independence Day, reality of limited sovereignty

On April 17 each year, Syrians commemorate the withdrawal of French forces in 1946, a historic milestone that ended the colonial era and opened the door to independence. However, this independence—despite its symbolic significance—has remained fragile due to coups and external interventions, leaving the concept of full sovereignty continuously debated to this day.

Actual Independence

Syria is officially an independent and internationally recognized state, but in practice its sovereignty is incomplete due to foreign influence and military interventions on its territory. This situation makes Syria a state with legal independence but limited and fragmented actual sovereignty.

In this context, member of the Syrian National Bloc and Syrian researcher Tareq al-Ahmad believes that speaking of real independence in Syria remains far from reality.

Absence of State Foundations

Al-Ahmad says, “It is difficult to consider Syria today a truly independent state, because states that lose their strength lose the strength of their army,” pointing out that the dissolution of the army and the destruction of its capabilities, along with the failure to rebuild it on scientific and national foundations, has weakened the state structure.

He adds that the absence of a political solution and the incomplete rebuilding of state institutions make it difficult to speak of a real state structure or functioning system, arguing that the current situation is closer to a “de facto authority.”

External Interventions and Violated Sovereignty

Al-Ahmad confirms that Syria is currently living under multiple interventions, stating that it is experiencing “various forms of interference and occupation,” referring to foreign military presence and involvement in internal affairs, which deepens the sovereignty crisis and delays the achievement of real independence.

When Will True Independence Be Achieved?

Al-Ahmad links the achievement of true independence to rebuilding the state, explaining that this can only happen through the participation of political forces in a comprehensive political process that leads to the establishment of a coherent system.

Features of the Desired State

Regarding the model of state he envisions, al-Ahmad calls for a “civil, secular state that protects everyone,” warning that any sectarian or ethnic-based project “leads to division and fragmentation.” He believes this state should be based on an expanded decentralized system that allows broader participation in governing the country.

National Dialogue for Shaping the Future

He emphasizes the importance of holding a serious and genuine national dialogue conference that brings together various political forces and public figures, unlike formal conferences that have not produced tangible results.

He adds that such a conference could last several days and serve as a platform for drafting a new constitution and establishing basic laws, including criminalizing sectarianism and strengthening state unity.

Syria of Tomorrow Between Challenges and Prospects

Ultimately, achieving real independence in Syria remains dependent on rebuilding the state on inclusive national foundations that ensure participation for all and establish full sovereignty. Between the memory of independence and present-day challenges, “Syria of tomorrow” remains an open project shaped by the Syrians’ ability to reach consensus and build a just and unified state.

A-H 

ANHA