Syrian politician says democratization is sustainable solution to country’s crises

Amid the crises Syria has been experiencing for more than fifteen years, as a result of authoritarian regimes that relied on a single color and language in governing the country, conflicts have emerged among Syria’s ethnic, religious, and national groups.

There is an urgent need in Syria for a democratic system that works to protect and safeguard the rights and dignity of the diverse components living on its territory.

In this context, Azhar Ahmad, a member of the Central Committee of the Kurdish Left Party in Syria, explained that it is essential to view Syria’s reality from both geographical and demographic perspectives. He noted that Syria is home to multiple peoples, nationalities, religions, and social groups, stressing that the country’s nature is inherently based on diversity.

He pointed out that the democratization of Syria constitutes the foundation for achieving stability, as these societal groups historically harmonized with one another like a mosaic and lived in a state of coexistence, until challenges such as the Sykes–Picot Agreement were imposed, reshaping the geography.

Azhar Ahmad stressed that Syria cannot be viewed on ethnic, national, or sectarian bases, but rather from the perspective of peoples who have coexisted in the region for thousands of years. He noted that Kurds have played a pioneering role in various stages, whether in leading revolutions or holding the presidency of Syria.

He said: “Despite the colonizer’s attempts through various external, regional, and international agendas to isolate groups from one another by sowing discord, the reality of Syria remains a mosaic in which everyone lives together.”

Regarding how democracy can contribute to ending conflict and building lasting peace among Syria’s components, Ahmad noted that democracy has political, national, religious, and patriotic dimensions, all of which must be fulfilled.

He stated: “Democracy does not mean that a person relinquishes their national identity; rather, it is a genuine and essential practice of that identity. Nor does it mean denying the nationality, religion, or patriotism of others.”

Ahmad considered democracy a necessity for Syrian society, as it safeguards all rights and realities connected to the lives of citizens from various components, preserves their dignity and sacred values, and treats them equally.

He added that when the environment is not prepared to understand the essence of democracy, negative outcomes naturally emerge, saying: “When Syria’s geography and nature are understood, it becomes natural to preserve the democratic principles we aspire to.”

Ahmad highlighted the experience of the Autonomous Administration and, after more than 13 years since the July 19th Revolution, noted that it has succeeded in understanding Syria’s cultural, political, and historical nature, and on that basis managed to maintain equal distance from all components.

He affirmed that the Rojava Revolution succeeded in establishing the fact that Syria cannot be governed by a single color, flag, standard, or language. He stressed the necessity of all social groups accepting one another and basing their relations on mutual respect and appreciation, saying: “Everyone must bear the responsibility for Syria’s future.”

He pointed out that democracy will help Syria prevent the return of tyranny and political violence through a genuine Syrian constitution that guarantees and recognizes the rights of all components, provided that this constitution is built on historical realities and the nature of Syria’s peoples.

He warned that marginalizing peoples, ethnicities, and sects would reinforce and deepen the crises Syria is experiencing today and would not lead to a sustainable solution serving the country’s interests.

He reiterated that the sustainable solution for Syria lies in its democratization and in understanding it in all its dimensions, noting that Syria’s richness reflects the reality of the region, and that only then will all components accept one another.

He emphasized the need for the interim government to benefit from the lessons of Syrian history by enhancing political awareness, recognizing the political forces present in the country, and enacting a constitution that guarantees this.

In conclusion, Azhar Ahmad affirmed that the democratization of Syria will contribute to strengthening Syrian unity, as laws and a constitution based on popular support will guarantee the protection of Syrian citizens’ dignity and rights without favoring one group over another.

He concluded by stressing that difference does not mean division, but rather represents a form of progress, and that the path toward Syria’s future passes through recognizing all existing forces and working collectively to build a pluralistic, democratic, and decentralized Syria that preserves rights.

ANHA