Syria: Land of civilizations, theater of conflicts - Fawaz Rasho

For four centuries, Syria was part of the Ottoman Empire, representing a geographical and cultural bridge between East and West. However, with the collapse of the Sultanate in World War I, the major powers began dividing up spheres of influence in the Levant, and Syria was at the heart of these ambitions.

The French mandate and popular resistance

In 1920, France imposed its mandate on Syria, but the Syrians confronted it with revolutions and uprisings, most notably the Great Syrian Revolution led by Sultan Pasha al-Atrash, which included Arabs, Kurds, and Druze. This period reinforced the idea that popular unity was the most important weapon against occupation.

The Coups and Ba'ath rule

After independence in 1946, Syria entered a period of political turmoil and coups. This period continued until the Ba'ath Party took control in 1963, ushering in a new era with Hafez al-Assad in 1970. This era was characterized by an alliance with the Soviet Union and adherence to nationalist rhetoric, while Syria continued to be an important player in Middle Eastern politics.

The Syrian war and the intervention of major powers

The outbreak of the Syrian crisis in 2011 opened the door to the intervention of major regional powers: Russia, the United States, Turkey, and Iran. The country became a proxy war zone, and the map of control shifted continuously, with the growing influence of armed groups with foreign agendas.

The Syrian Democratic Forces: defending territory and diversity

Amidst this chaos, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) emerged as a multi-component local force, comprising Kurdish, Arab, Syriac, and Assyrian fighters. These forces played a pivotal role in defeating ISIS in crucial battles such as Kobani, Raqqa, and al-Baghouz. They also maintained security in large areas of North and East Syria and provided an administrative model that respected ethnic and religious pluralism.

Despite attempts at distortion and hostile propaganda, the SDF maintained its position of rejecting the partition of Syria and consistently called for a political solution that guarantees the rights of all components and preserves the unity of Syria's territory.

The Collapse of the Ba'ath Regime and the Era of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTŞ)

In the regions of northeastern Syria, where a system based on local protection, autonomous administration, and pluralism was established, a degree of stability was achieved, while chaos increased in the rest of Syria. By the end of 2024, a new situation emerged.

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTŞ), a modified and softer version of Jabhat al-Nusra, led by Abu Muhammad al-Julani (Ahmad al-Sharaa), which had established its authority in Idlib with the support of Turkey (DYA), began launching attacks against the Ba'ath regime.

On February 27, 2024, it launched a military operation called "Response to Aggression" against al-Assad regime and its army. On December 8, 2024, the Assad regime collapsed and power was transferred to Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham. However, the chaos and massacres only intensified.

On March 6, Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham moved its forces to the Syrian coast under the pretext of confronting remnants of the former regime. Under this cover, it committed massacres against thousands of Alawites. Shortly after, by inciting sedition, they launched a similar attack against the Druze community in Sweida.

During these attacks, slogans were raised such as: "It's the Kurds' and the Syrian Democratic Forces' (SDF's) turn."

Syria between past and future

From the Ottomans to the French, from the wars of the 20th century to the current crisis, Syria has remained an arena for competition between major powers. However, experience has proven that the real solution lies in adhering to the unity of the people and the land, and relying on local forces such as the Syrian Democratic Forces.

Despite the deep wound, there is hope for building a unified, diverse, democratic Syria that accepts all colors and voices; one in which the displaced can return to their homes, and one in which a secure and stable future can be built.

ANHA