Ammar Diop – March 10, 2019
Syria has grappled with rule by an exceptionally strong security authority since the 1970s, leading to the suppression of citizens’ freedoms and political rights, fostering illusions and rigid, subjective ideologies while hindering collective national efforts.
The prevalence of outdated awareness, particularly rooted in religious and sectarian beliefs, overshadowed modern understanding, blurring the distinction between old and new perspectives among societal and political factions. This ancient consciousness, both cultivated by the regime and ingrained in societal heritage, perpetuated confusion and hindered progress.
Of greater significance, Syria’s present geographical boundaries do not align with its historical existence. Historically, it was referred to as Greater Syria or part of the Caliphate state during the Middle Ages, and it has been inhabited by various ancient peoples, including Arabs prior to the establishment of the Islamic Arab state.
In Syria, there lacks a cohesive national identity; instead, identity is primarily shaped by events such as internal revolutions, external occupation, or major crises. The prolonged oppressive rule of the security authority has contributed to the fragmentation of modern Syrian identity, facilitating a resurgence of old identities that are predominantly non-national. Thus, revolution serves as a holistic process of transformation.
The complexities encountered have transformed Syria’s internal strife into a sectarian, regional, and global conflict, exacerbating confusion over national identity. Divided blocs lean towards different external powers like Turkey, Russia, or Iran, often influenced by sectarian biases. These shifts are fueled by the desperation for salvation amid war’s devastation, leading to a fragmented identity reliant on external forces. However, once the conflict subsides, the prospect of societal stabilization emerges, aligning with the aspirations of the 2011 popular revolution and shaping the future trajectory of Syria.
