Syrian Reform leader: Centralized rule will hinder modern Syria

The transitional government in Damascus insists that a decentralized system equates to partitioning Syria, despite the fact that most of the world’s strong and successful countries, in terms of economy, politics, and military, follow this approach in managing their affairs. 

The government’s adherence to this mindset comes as part of its efforts to consolidate its rule through centralized decision-making and imposing its authority and decisions on the Syrian people, ignoring the scale of the disaster caused by decades of centralized governance, the consequences of which the Syrian people are still paying for.In this context.

 Shukri Sheikhan explained that many fear the term “decentralization” as well as concepts like participation and pluralism due to a lack of understanding, even though decentralization embodies the secularism of the state and reduces the burdens on citizens by decentralizing decision-making.

 He added: “Decentralization is a political approach followed by most countries in the world, preventing decisions from being solely in the hands of the ruling authority.”Regarding the compatibility of decentralization with the aspirations of Syria’s diverse components.

Sheikhan emphasized that a decentralized system aligns with open and progressive minds seeking to build a true state after decades of suffering for the Syrian people. He noted that rebuilding the state with a centralized system would return Syria to an era of absolute authority dominated by a single party and system, stressing the importance of political parties playing a leading role in educating Syrian citizens about the concept of decentralization and awakening their sense of patriotism.

Sheikhan mentioned that the March 10 agreement serves as the cornerstone in negotiations between the Autonomous Administration and Syrian Democratic Forces on one side, and the transitional government in Damascus on the other.

 He stressed the need to move toward a Syrian national identity that includes all nationalities, religions, and cultures, criticizing the transitional government’s indifference to the participation of Syrians in governance.

He added that they have been working for some time to implement decentralization that aligns with a secular state.Sheikhan noted that the Syrian Reform Movement sees decentralization as the optimal solution for Syria’s future, expressing rejection of a centralized system that denies other provinces and cities their right to decision-making.

In conclusion, Shukri Sheikhan emphasized that the transitional government in Damascus will not be able to build a modern Syria if it persists with a centralized system, stating“Decentralization requires us to be more aware of the future. We must forget the past and look forward to the future.

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ANHA