Syrian Writer: No democracy without citizenship, law, Just constitution

In light of the ongoing political and social divisions in Syria, questions are rising about the possibility of building a democratic system that guaranties the rights of all Syrians, amidst challenges related to the structure of the existing authority. To discuss the details of these topics, ANHA agency conducted an interview with the Syrian writer and political activist Sharif al-Muqat from the city of Sweida.

Al-Muqat pointed out that the talk about democracy in Syria, under the current circumstances, seems closer to "political luxury," noting that the current reality in the country is far from any real path toward democratic transformation or even paving the way for it.

The obstacle in the "form of authority"

In his discussion about the future of democracy in Syria, al-Maqat said that the main obstacle to any democratic transition lies in the current form of authority, which he described as a power that came "by force of reality," where a single faction monopolized political and military power, without a clear political approach or democratic reference governing the administration of the state.

He added that "the prevailing sectarian and religious situation today is one of the most dangerous factors distancing Syria from any democratic project," and that the inciting religious rhetoric and increasing societal divisions have deepened the state of division and weakened the possibility of building a state that encompasses all Syrians.

The need for a new social contract

Al-Maqat explained that Syria needs a "new social contract," based on an understanding between cultural and political elites, historical families, and various social components, in order to agree on the shape of the future state and its management mechanism, emphasizing that the absence of this consensus makes the discussion of democracy extremely difficult.

"Religion is for God, and the homeland is for everyone"

In discussing the experience of Sweida, he pointed out that the governorate has adopted, since the fall of the Ba'athist regime, a discourse he described as "democratic and national," citing Sultan Pasha al-Atrash's saying, "Religion is for God, and the homeland is for everyone." However, this approach, according to him, was met with rejection by extremist religious forces that believe "the homeland and religion are for God" and consider themselves God's representatives on earth. This has reflected on the current government's structure and its interaction with the other components.

Al-Maqat confirmed that the current government "has closed the door to any democratic or different intellectual project," considering that the dominance of religious that over the levers of power has pushed the other Syrian components to retreat into themselves and seek to form closed local communities that try to protect themselves away from the idea of a central state.

The multiplicity of loyalties has undermined the opposition.

Al-Maqat saw that the opposition failed to present a unified national project, pointing out that the state of fragmentation, divisions, and external affiliations weakened its ability to play a real role in building the future of Syria.

He said, "The Syrian opposition, since the fall of the regime until today, has not succeeded in formulating a clear vision for the shape of the Syrian state," adding that the multiplicity of regional and international loyalties has contributed to creating an unsuitable environment for building a comprehensive national project.

"The constitution is the true foundation for building the state"

He emphasized that building a state of institutions begins with the existence of a just constitution that guaranties equality among all citizens, defines the powers of authority, and the rights of individuals based on citizenship, away from sectarian, religious, familial, or political affiliations.

He added that "the constitution is the true foundation for building the state," and that free elections are the decisive factor in determining the political and social sizes within the country, emphasizing that any democratic project cannot succeed under the imposition of a single political or religious color on Syrian society.

Equality in rights and duties

In his discussion about guaranteeing the rights of Syrian minorities and components, al-Maqat called for moving beyond the terms "minorities" and "majorities," and mentioned that dealing with Syrians should be based solely on equal citizenship.

He said, "A nation cannot be built under such religious and sectarian divisions, and the solution begins when all citizens are viewed as equal in rights and duties."

Al-Maqat pointed out that the media and civil society play a pivotal role in shaping citizens' awareness and spreading democratic culture, explaining that the media discourse, whether positive or negative, leaves a direct impact on public opinion and the nature of society.

Thinking about building "cantons"

Regarding the role of Syrians inside and outside the country, al-Maqat explained that years of war, pressure, and divisions have driven each region or group to seek means to protect itself, instead of engaging in a unified national project. He saw this as reflecting the extent of the social and political collapse that has affected the country.

He said that Syrians had dreamed of a state based on justice, citizenship, and an equal constitution for all. However, the current reality, in light of the rising religious discourse and societal divisions, has pushed various components to consider building their own entities, in the form of cantons, due to the absence of a true national project capable of encompassing everyone within a single state.

In conclusion, the Syrian writer and political activist Sharif al-Maqat from the city of Sweida expressed widespread disappointment among many Syrians, especially after the massacres, violations, and repression witnessed in some areas. However, he affirmed that the dream of a united Syria and a just state still exists among a large segment of the Syrian population.

ANHA