Systematic incitement in Syria threatens coexistence

With the unique experience witnessed in north and east Syria, where sects and communities coexist together in the project of autonomous administration, attempts at destabilizing the region by promoting hate speech and inciting the media are increasing, as an attempt to emulate the policy of authoritarian regimes that have long relied on the principle of "divide and rule."

It is a multi-faceted war in which external players, through military interventions and cyber attacks on social media, are attempting to create discord amongst communities in the region and erode the social solidarity which has pushed its limits by remaining intact through affliction.

Here, Yasser al-Kurdi, Future Syria Party's administrator in Tabqa Canton, confirmed that the Autonomous Administration project is viewed as threatening to expansionist forces, but as a challenge to political will by some domestic parties. He continued that extremist religious currents are promoting sedition to amplify their influence, using the media to distort the image of the Autonomous Administration and single out its components.

Al-Kurdi added that the accomplishments of the region are the result of the commingling of the people's blood in it from various communities, pointing out that popular consciousness is a bulwark against transient conspiracies.

Human rights activist Ibrahim Sheikho warned of the rise in hate speech in Syria, citing its devastating effects that are currently being seen on the Syrian coast as well as Sweida. He blamed the transitional government and the Information Ministry for controlling media language and halting sectarian provocation that would draw the country into civil war.

Sheikho elaborated that the areas of North and East Syria have managed to overcome sectarian and tribal loyalties, and this has resulted in them being targeted by incitement campaigns. He urged immediate action to bring an end to this rhetoric before it drives the nation toward partition and civil war.

On her part, Hiba Fatih, a member of the Women's Media Union (YRJ) Council, confirmed that the Turkish occupation and its mercenaries are implementing systematic incitement campaigns, while the Autonomous Administration is boosting its activities aimed at establishing peace and democracy.

She explained that such campaigns aim to instigate dissatisfaction between components and tribes. Fatih was adamant that the media in northern Syria holds a huge responsibility in confronting these campaigns, by drawing an image of actual coexistence and speaking the voice of society to the Syrian interior. She was adamant that free media within the region can confront misinformation and reveal the truth, amidst war and destruction proponents.

ANHA