Syrian Writer: Democracy in Syria starts with rejecting exclusion

Amid ongoing debate over Syria’s political future and the possibility of transitioning toward a democratic system that guarantees the rights of all its components, ANHA Agency conducted an interview with Syrian writer and journalist Fawaz Khio from the city of Sweida.

At the beginning of the interview, Khio emphasized that the first step toward democratizing Syria is “not excluding or sidelining any segment of the Syrian people and ethnic groups.” He pointed out that Syrians have paid a heavy price during the years of war, which has raised their aspirations for building a just and democratic state.

Prioritizing competence over loyalties

Speaking about the reality and future of democracy in Syria, Khio said that one of the biggest obstacles hindering democratic transition is “prioritizing sectarian and ethnic loyalties over national belonging.” He added that some Syrians feel power is merely shifting from one sect to another, which deepens divisions and threatens the idea of a state that belongs to all Syrians.

He stressed that building a state of law and institutions begins with “giving priority to competence over loyalties,” criticizing the dominance of religious or traditional figures over decision-making in some institutions. He emphasized that modern states are not built on the “authority of sheikhs,” but rather on competence, institutions, and the rule of law.

Khio also noted that Syria possesses many talented minds and skilled individuals, but these capacities have been fragmented and marginalized due to internal and external factors, preventing the emergence of a unified national force capable of bringing real change.

Parties focused on producing followers

On the role of intellectuals, Khio said that cultural and intellectual elites have historically been the driving force behind major transformations. However, according to him, political and religious parties in the region have focused on “producing obedient followers who receive orders and carry out projects” instead of creating capable elites that can lead society. He warned that the absence of intellectual elites leads states toward collapse.

Speaking about the role of Syrians inside and outside the country, Khio called for making “Syria a priority above all other affiliations.” He criticized spending money on religious projects while schools remain destroyed and thousands of families continue to live in camps and shelters, warning against the exploitation of religion for political agendas.

Constitution and elections

On the issue of the constitution and elections, Khio stressed that having a real constitution that defines red lines and guarantees the rule of law is essential for stability and for building trust between citizens and the state, alongside a free press and an independent judiciary.

He also argued that the concept of “minorities” loses meaning in the presence of a truly democratic homeland, where every citizen becomes “a majority in themselves,” citing multicultural and multi-religious countries such as India and Switzerland as examples.

Free media is a partner in decision-making

In discussing the media, Khio stressed that real media is the one that “transfers the people’s voice to the authorities, not the other way around.” He affirmed that free media is an essential partner in decision-making and exposing facts, alongside an independent judiciary that guarantees justice and prevents the strong from oppressing the weak.

The Syrian writer and journalist concluded his remarks by emphasizing that Syrians alone are capable of protecting their country and building a homeland that embraces all its components. He called for loyalty to the nation above any external or sectarian loyalties, stressing that some regional states use religion to achieve political interests, while the true homeland remains the only guarantee for the dignity of all its citizens.

ANHA