Syrian crisis, prospects for solution: between aspirations, obstacles – Taysir al-Alousi

The crisis did not begin yesterday; it is the culmination of decades of accumulated problems, reaching its peak when the (peaceful) Syrian revolution was hijacked through militarization and infiltration by armed Islamist militias. These are undoubtedly extremist terrorist groups with nothing but suicidal impulses, consistent with their discourse of hatred and violence, and the logic of extremism and fanaticism they have adopted.

Since then, the revolution and the entire opposition, which championed the democratic alternative and believed in the possibility of achieving it peacefully, have faced formidable structural obstacles. However, matters did not end there. They entered a new phase with the shift in power, which, as time has shown, did not bring about the desired change due to a structural flaw. This flaw led, on the one hand, to the disarmament of the state and its replacement with the weapons of the militia/authority, or rather, what became the official authority in Damascus after the departure of the symbol of the previous regime and the disintegration of the already fragmented official power structures, mired in corruption and reckless violence.

The method of replacing the head of the authority in the way that what Syria witnessed was not the end that can be superficially interpreted as simply the militia seizing power and then being killed by force, with no option but to surrender it. Rather, it was a pivotal point in its history, one that could have led to peaceful transformations towards building a democratic alternative through a suitable transitional phase. However, we have witnessed, and continue to witness, the repercussions of this transfer of power. As is their wont, terrorist forces have become increasingly brutal towards the people and their various communities.

This has resulted in massacres in the coastal region and Swedia, and threats and attacks aimed at undermining North and East Syria. These actions are based on attempts to subjugate these communities through a vengeful and retaliatory approach that does not reflect the existence of a state, nor the integrity of the pronouncements made in the steps taken to seize control. This is achieved by dividing the people and unleashing extremist, hardline elements to wield the iron fist, while those who have assumed power in certain areas remain either weak and fragile, or, as events suggest, are using this approach to mask their true intentions. The ultimate goal is not just to seize control of Damascus, which remains anxious about the massacres of civil values, but to seize control of all of Syria in its entirety.

But in any case, the peaceful methods of the forces of enlightenment and change are peaceful in their approach and adhere to their programs in confronting the catastrophic destruction that has befallen Syria and its people. Therefore, the ongoing peace process is a necessity and a choice, but it faces excessive violence that is being inflicted upon the various segments of the population in a manner deliberately discriminatory, aimed at eliminating any opportunity for unity among the forces of enlightenment and change and gradually seizing control of the entire political landscape.

It is worth noting that international and regional factors of conflict continue to play their contradictory roles in pushing the situation and its processes in directions that are not necessarily in line with the wishes of the people's forces.

These forces must continue to adhere to their principles and work to prevent any attempts to wrest control from them, whether through bans, violent purges, or the imposition of an obscurantist discourse on society that seeks to neutralize the broadest segment of the population and isolate it from its secular, democratic leadership. These forces can only achieve this through unity, by expediting the convening of their popular conferences, and by utilizing their available resources to restore balance and prevent the dominance of an obscurantist faction.

Throwing the fruits of the democratic forces into the basket of a process that is not the actions of the de facto authority alone, and those who support it regionally, are hasty and flawed. The struggle must continue, even if it requires different field mechanisms than before, given all these changes. Therefore, I believe, for example, that the signing of the well-known agreement by the SDF and its leadership, and then maneuvering its implementation according to the new developments and the nature of the changes, is certainly a necessary approach. This approach preserves the sources of decision-making power and prevents backsliding on the gains of the revolution, especially here in North and East Syria (Kurdistan).

Perhaps the formation of constituent councils is a crucial step, especially given their declared commitment to their Syrian identity and their intention to coordinate and unify efforts based on national structural principles that are not divisive.

Regarding Turkey's specific regional role, I believe it will be a suitable force if it limits itself to creating balances against other regional powers that have exploited the situation by unilaterally attempting to dismantle the Syrian army's weapons and structure a clear reference to Israel. However, to prevent this from becoming a complete imbalance, a strong, intensive, and effective Arab presence is required. This is something that important regional countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE understand, and Egypt is quietly working towards. I would like to mention that each these are the important names, their arms, and their methods of operation.

What concerns me in answering one of the questions I just received is that the regional powers cannot play a positive role without a regional conference under international auspices that helps Damascus abandon its attempts to monopolize power in a way that will end any future peace prospects if it manages to pursue this path to its conclusion.

The alternative, aside from what I have already discussed, is that the leaders of the Syrian forces of enlightenment and change are responsible for jointly developing action plans, regardless of the obstacles. Unity is a cornerstone for the continuation of Syria as a unified state with its historical identity, alongside a new change that respects the components of the people through humane approaches that guarantee everyone their rights and freedoms in peace and fullness.

Regarding the roles of our intellectuals in Syria, with their diverse national, religious, and political ideologies, their crucial role will remain in cultivating awareness of the national spirit, identity, and the secular democratic approach, which is the only path to peace. Without it, Syria will suffer the same fate as other countries in the region, albeit with some differences, but with more complex and dangerous problems for Syria and the entire region.

I find that the Syrian people possess a profound awareness of the events unfolding around them, and their history has consistently demonstrated this awareness. Therefore, my message focuses on reaffirming their commitment to Syrian unity and identity, and on upholding national and religious fraternity with full rights and freedoms for every component and region, respecting its unique human identity and distinctive character.

The Syrian issue today has entered a highly complex and ambiguous phase, but the beacons of enlightenment exist within the vibrant forces of the people in all their diversity, whose path must be guided by a clear vision.

It is worth noting that I want to emphasize the crucial role of the Kurdish forces, particularly with regard to the peace agreement project, in light of Mr. Ocalan's initiative. This initiative is not limited to Turkey but aims to elevate Turkey's regional role, moving towards stability and the spread of peace. If the Turkish leadership responds to the initiative with further steps that embody its approach to peace, then my previous remarks regarding the correct path hoped for by all parties will be confirmed.

I salute all forces, despite their differences and disagreements, who believe in the principle of pursuing a peaceful approach, curbing violence and coercion, and opening avenues for dialogue based on a cohesive popular movement that carries the torch of non-submission to the logic of extremism and fanaticism, and works towards peace in Syria and the entire region.

ANHA