MSDA group of figures, dignitaries, clan sheikhs, intellectuals, politicians, and those interested in public affairs, in addition to a number of women, gathered in the town of Al-Sour, north of Deir Ezzor, for a symposium to discuss the role of clans in strengthening the Syrian home front, peace, and coexistence.
The symposium was held at the invitation of the Relations Bureau of the Syrian Democratic Council and in cooperation with the sheikhs and dignitaries of the clans and the coalition of civil society organizations, where it was titled “The role of clans and civil society organizations in strengthening the home front and protecting and developing democracy”.
During its first theme, the symposium discussed the role of clans, where Sheikh Wais Abu Hassan said that “the clan is an essential base in the social formation and the Syrian fabric, structurally and functionally, because of the roles it plays in different orientations to strengthen the bonds of cooperation, national cohesion, and to preserve moral values”.
As for the role of the clan, Anas Al-Marfooa, a member of the Deir Ezzor Relations Bureau of the Syrian Democratic Council said that it is a safe sanctuary from strife and religious and sectarian polarizations during times of crises and wars, and it is the incentive to defend the region.
Al-Marfooa also noted that the next stage is important in light of the developments and reconciliations, but only the people can define the features of this stage, and the role of the Syrian clans is explained by standing together in the face of challenges and dangers, especially those are led by Turkey.
Participants stressed that parties and civil society organizations have a very important role in democratization through change, spreading the culture of pluralism, educating and organizing the masses, and the capabilities of both sides, whether parties or organizations, in resolving conflicts and training effective leaders, which are two bases for any strong democratic regime.
Sheikh Ali Al-Hamdan, the sheikh of the Al-Faraj clan, demanded the formation of a council of notables, or a Consultative Assemble, according to his description, in which a person from each clan represents it and seeks to solve the problems of its people.
While the sheikhs and dignitaries of the clans expressed their support for the Syrian Democratic Forces and the existing project in the regions of northeastern Syria, and their desire to form a council of notables for the region that would be their link with the administration.
The meeting came up with several recommendations, including inviting tribal sheikhs, clerics, and civil society organizations to raise community awareness, strengthen national cohesion, work to activate institutions in Deir Ezzor, enhance cooperation between the administration and civil society organizations, establish a Council of Notables and a committee to follow up on prisoners and refugees in the camps.
