Syrian Writer: Decentralization national necessity to end dictatorship

Debate continues among Syrian circles regarding viable solutions to the country’s ongoing political and social crisis. Many observers warn that persisting with exclusionary policies against Syria’s diverse communities and political currents threatens both national unity and the country’s future, amid growing calls to move away from centralized governance.

In an interview with ANHA Agency, al-Suwaid stated: “Like other Third World nations, Syria has long been subjected to the rule of the individual leader who equates himself with the state—believing that his departure would mean the collapse of the nation. While the world has advanced, the Third World has mastered either worshiping its rulers or being enslaved by them.”

He explained that the path to transitioning from personal rule to popular rule is simple and evident to all, but that its rejection stems from motives unrelated to the interests of the nation or the people.

“Syria is no exception among the unfortunate countries of the East that have endured centralized dictatorship for more than sixty-seven years—since the people’s will was confiscated when the regime handed Syria over to Egypt under the banner of unity,” he said.

Al-Suwaid described the solution as follows: “It simply lies in distributing the ruler’s powers among multiple popular authorities, so that no leader can once again enslave the people or rob them of their will—thus avoiding a repetition of Assad’s legacy, as if the Syrian revolution that began fourteen years ago had taught us nothing.”

He emphasized that:“A decentralized system is a national necessity for any nation seeking freedom from tyranny, and for Syria in particular, which has suffered dictatorship more than others. Syrians must decisively cut ties with the past and reject the return of any form of despotic rule—even if Syria were a homogenous nation with no ethnic or religious minorities.”

Al-Suwaid further stressed that discussions on decentralization should not be limited by comparisons to foreign models: “No two experiences are alike. The Syrian model of decentralization must be authentically homegrown—rooted in citizenship and coexistence—enabling Syria to become a viable homeland capable of reclaiming its role in the world. Democracy will naturally follow as a result of the separation of powers and respect for the law.”

He added: “Today, Syria stands at a crossroads: to be or not to be. It must either become a state governed by modern law and democratic principles—or cease to be the Syria the world once knew.”

Al-Suwaid warned that the current regime’s submission to external dictates from all directions serves neither the Syrian people nor the survival of the ruling power.

On the dangers of the current situation, he said: “I do not believe there is a real prospect of partitioning the country, but the continuation of the current conditions invites further foreign intervention and prolongs the people’s suffering—leaving them suspended in a quasi-state, governed by a quasi-government, leading a quasi-life.”

Al-Suwaid called for a national effort by a transitional government to convene Syrian community leaders and draft a new social contract that truly reflects the aspirations of all Syrians.

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ANHA