Two journalists assert that transitional government's discourse deepens tensions

The interior and coastal regions of Syria are witnessing a wave of escalating protests, amid accusations against the transitional government of failing to manage the current phase. Observers point out that the official media discourse affiliated with the transitional government has increasingly relied on justifications and mutual accusations instead of proposing practical solutions.

In this regard, ANHA agency spoke with journalist and political analyst Abdul Halim Suleiman, and journalist and editor at Ronahi newspaper, Berivan Khalil.

Abdul Halim Suleiman explained that the discourse adopted by the current transitional government does not align with its duties in managing the transitional phase, which is supposed to reflect the concept of this phase by involving all components in the process. However, the discourse of the transitional government today speaks with one voice, just like the transitional process in all its political and administrative aspects.

Suleiman explained that: "The government often relies on justification instead of providing real solutions, with the presence of mistakes and concepts that deepen the discourse of hatred in society. Instead of addressing or avoiding these problems, it resorts to justification and considers it a given that everyone is required to adhere to, which contradicts the nature of the transitional phase in Syria that should be based on the participation of all components."

Regarding media handling, Suleiman explained that some officials sometimes show a degree of transparency in their statements and attempts to provide information thru official statements. However, this transparency is later undermined by extensive media coverage on official channels and government-affiliated media, which frustrates any attempt to convey a clear or balanced image.

He said, "There is a kind of self-grinding within the government discourse; information is presented transparently on one hand, and then undermined by a discourse that incites hatred and deepens divisions on the other."

Suleiman pointed out that adopting this approach naturally contributes to increasing the rift among Syrians, especially in the absence of a unifying approach. The repercussions of this have appeared in several areas such as Homs, the coast, and Sweida, which today live under both military and media sieges, where the discourse of other parties is not allowed to reach public opinion. He also pointed out the use of abusive and derogatory language toward different Syrian components, which leads to sharp reactions and deepens mutual intolerance.

He emphasized that the continuation of a unilateral discourse that relies on exclusionary narratives or the belittlement of individuals and components leads to further societal explosion, and this has become evident in recent months thru the media's handling of Syrian issues.

He added: "The existence of a Syrian screen that addresses Syrian issues is a positive thing, but the manner of addressing them is fundamental. In light of the negotiations between the Autonomous Administration, the Syrian Democratic Forces, and Damascus, the government discourse should enhance commonalities rather than provoke tension or incite other parties."

Suleiman emphasized that independent media today bears a fundamental role in uncovering narratives and information that official media avoids, whether due to the government's inability to address them or its desire to shape public opinion. With the multiplicity and contradiction of narratives among Syrians, the role of neutral media becomes greater in revealing truths and providing a more balanced picture.

He said, "To reduce tension, a clear program and media strategy must be adopted that addresses issues from all angles and listens directly to their owners, rather than just relying on the sources the government wishes to highlight."

The transitional government's media approach poses a real threat to the stability of the transitional phase.

For her part, journalist and editor at Ronahi newspaper, Berivan Khalil, criticized the media discourse issued by the transitional government in recent times, considering it to be "political confusion disguised behind justifying language instead of providing real solutions to the crises the street is experiencing, but rather exacerbating and deepening them, either directly thru its media outlets or behind the scenes."

Berivan Khalil explained: "For nearly a year, the people hoped that a decentralized, pluralistic democracy would be built in Syria, where the rights of all components are preserved, and that the model of North and East Syria would be taken as an example. However, what we see is the opposite of the people's aspirations and hopes. We see divisions within Syrian society, as the government's media has created gaps within the community and a deep sectarian rift."

Berivan said that the official discourse has come to rely on managing the crisis thru words, pointing out that government statements lack a clear vision or practical plan, which has widened the gap of trust between the street and the institutions. She explained that the government resorts in its discourse to distributing responsibilities in a vague and unspecified manner, without identifying a party that bears direct responsibility, which leaves citizens in a state of confusion and prevents them from understanding who leads the political and economic decision-making in the country.

Berivan Khalil confirmed that the impact of this discourse has negatively reflected on the streets in the interior and coastal areas, where citizens are facing suffocating living conditions without receiving reassuring signals or practical solutions from the government. At a time when the media's role should be constructive rather than creating crises, she added: "People no longer want justifications, but tangible steps, and the absence of these steps is what drives further tension."

She warned that the continuation of this media approach poses a real danger to the stability of the transitional phase, stressing that the erosion of public trust could lead to further chaos or the exploitation of the street by parties seeking to escalate the situation.

She pointed out that the government media lacks professionalism and humanity, as it threatens and promises sects with killing, slaughter, and extermination, and tries to make all sects in Syria kill each other. We have seen this during the marches and demonstrations that took place recently, with a language of incitement and belittlement of other components.

She emphasized the important role of independent media at this stage, considering it the entity capable of bridging the information gap by providing accurate information, opening fundamental files, and shedding light on the roots of crises away from exaggeration.

She concluded by calling for the adoption of an alternative official discourse based on transparency and openness, and opening the space for the media to raise essential questions that contribute to making decisions addressing the root of the crisis, not just its symptoms.

ANHA