After the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, Syria continues to face internal challenges regarding governance structures and the centralization of decision-making in Damascus. Syrian intellectuals argue that the DAA presents the most viable model for constructing a new, inclusive state.
Achievements and Challenges of the Autonomous Administration
Activist Nour Al-Saeed from the Tabqa highlights that the Democratic Autonomous Administration in North and East Syria has achieved significant milestones, most notably safeguarding the region from conflicts and civil wars.
She notes that the establishment of security and military forces, such as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), has played a crucial role in protecting the region from both external and internal threats. Furthermore, the autonomous administration has successfully unified diverse communities under a single governance framework.
Al-Saeed further emphasizes that the administration has ensured the rights of various ethnic and social components through policies that promote pluralism and cultural identity, while also guaranteeing their participation in decision-making processes. She asserts that this governance model has demonstrated that a single political party is not a prerequisite for effective governance, nor should any region be monopolized by a particular group.
Decentralized Governance and Popular Participation
Activist Yasser Al-Kurdi, also from the Tabqa, underscores that the DAA is founded on decentralized governance, fostering active community participation and direct democracy.
He states: "The Administration has established regional councils and local governance structures, creating a decentralized framework that ensures local communities are represented in decision-making processes."
Al-Kurdi further points out that the co-presidency system, which ensures gender balance in governance, is one of the model’s key strengths, significantly enhancing women’s role in societal leadership. He also commends the administration’s efforts in supporting civil society organizations and trade unions, enabling the local population to play a more active role in various domains.
Individual Freedoms and Cultural Pluralism
Al-Kurdi highlights that the DAA has witnessed substantial progress in the realm of individual freedoms, including freedom of expression, opinion, and the press. Additionally, linguistic and cultural diversity has been supported through the inclusion of local languages in education, governance, and media.
He states: "The autonomous administration model provides Syrians with a viable approach to self-governance, ensuring rights for all and laying the foundation for a democratic and pluralistic Syria that accommodates all its people."
Social and Cultural Initiatives
Writer Ahmed Al-Ali points out that the DAA has launched various social and cultural initiatives aimed at fostering societal renaissance.
He states: "Among these initiatives are cultural and artistic festivals celebrating the heritage of each community, reinforcing cultural identity and making the autonomous administration regions a safe haven for all Syrians."
Al-Ali further emphasizes that these initiatives have positioned the autonomous administration regions as the first safe and stable areas in Syria, particularly following the collapse of the Ba'athist regime. He asserts that this governance model could serve as a solution to the Syrian crisis and a path toward democratic self-rule.
A Model for a Political Solution in Syria
Intellectuals affirm that the democratic autonomous administration experience in North and East Syria provides a practical model for decentralized governance and broad-based participation. They argue that by fostering cultural pluralism, safeguarding the rights of diverse communities, ensuring individual freedoms, and engaging local populations in decision-making, democracy is attainable—even in the most complex circumstances.
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