MSDBy Omar al-Sahnawi
Suwayda, Syria (SDC) – The Syrian situation has witnessed sustained popular protests in the Suwayda Governorate for over a year. They were characterized by a peaceful nature and national demands that overcome sectarian and denominational divisions.
“The Suwayda movement has persisted over a year, but there has not been any political change in Syria so far. Therefore, we have to establish a political action plan with defined objectives to change the political situation in Syria and compel the Syrian regime to accept the political reforms that Syrians aspire to. However, if we continue to engage in demonstrations without a clear political vision, the protest movement may lose its effectiveness,” one of protesters in al-Karama Square in Suwayda, declining to be named, said.
In a related context, Waheed Merhej, a political and media activist in Suwayda, disagreed with him, by stating: “It is right that the movement has persisted over a year without any political changes in Syria, but we have committed to our resistance despite all the regime’s attempts to undermine the protests. However, the wisdom and rationality of the movement’s organizers and the people of Suwayda have thwarted these attempts”.
There are ongoing discussions aimed at improving the movement and strengthening it with a strong political base. This does not refer to significant differences in the movement’s methodology or to conflicting opinions about it. Rather, these reviews aim to enhance the ability to convey the Syrians’ vision abroad more effectively.
Also: The Intra-Syrian Dialogue is a Vital Necessity for Resolving the Syrian Crisis
Accordingly, there are preparations to establish political formations that participate in international conferences on the Syrian issue. This was evident through the participation of the political committee emerged from the Suwayda movement in the Syrian Democratic Path Conference in Brussels. The committee issued a clarification to the public regarding its position on participating in the Brussels conference.
The political committee’s objectives were obvious through its statement, affirming that its participation in the Democratic Powers Conference was a key step towards inclusive dialogue with all Syrians regardless of race, religion, or sect. Additionally, the committee emphasized its adherence to international resolutions, foremost of which is Resolution 2254, as the primary framework for achieving an inclusive solution and the desired political transition.
The ruling authorities in Damascus are concerned about the consistency and growing power of the Suwayda movement. This movement advocates for a comprehensive political solution, involving all Syrian parties regardless of their affiliations, within an inclusive national framework. These authorities are cautious of the political transition process, especially the matters outlined in UN Resolution 2254.
The authorities view the gathering of Syrians at the Syrian Democratic Path Conference as a threat to their existence. This concern is heightened by the large attendance of Syrians who advocate for national projects. Among these advocates is the political committee that emerged from the Suwayda movement. Therefore, the authorities attempt to undermine the movement in Suwayda.
Suwayda Movement’s Objectives Raise Concerns for the Authorities in Damascus
For over a year, protests have continued in al-Karama Square, Suwayda. Despite continuous provocations by the authorities and their security apparatus, the protesters have adhered to the peaceful nature of the movement. This situation has forced the authorities to adopt a different approach in dealing with the protesters in Suwayda compared to other Syrian governorates. The authorities attempted to suppress the protests regarding the Syrian crisis in 2011 through excessive violence. Instead, they have turned a blind eye to the Suwayda movement and employed a policy of neglect, suggesting that internal differences and divisions will occur in Suwayda. Moreover, living conditions experienced by the people of Suwayda have been hash, similar to the areas under the control of the authorities, marked by the unavailability of basic services and deteriorating living and economic conditions.
Also: The Fourth Division’s Abuses Against Returning Syrians from Lebanon
Merhej emphasized that the Syrian regime is extremely concerned about the continued protests in Suwayda, despite its attempts to portray otherwise. However, the regime’s policies confirm its efforts to undermine the movement and provoke the protesters. The participation of the political committee of Suwayda in the Brussels conference has further increased pressure on the ruling regime. Merhej believed that the regime and its security apparatus will exert more pressure on the protesters and residents in Suwayda through all available means.
Merhej highlighted the regime’s attempts to undermine the Suwayda movement at the beginning of the Syrian crisis. This was evident when it sent delegations with promises to improve certain services, such as electricity and water. Bassam Barsik, the former governor of Suwayda, acted as a mediator and discussed the situation with Sheikh Hakmat al-Hijri, the leader of the Druze community. However, the regime’s offer was rejected because the demands in Suwayda had increased. In response, the regime resorted to intimidation tactics. It spread rumors through its media outlets about terrorists and suicide bombers entering Suwayda through the eastern Syrian Desert.
Another point is the regime’s attempt to portray the Suwayda movement as a “Druze movement managed by external entities”. However, this description does not align with the facts. Actually, the demands are national and represent the aspirations of the Syrian people as a whole.
Merhej added that the regime has repeatedly tried to sow discord among the people of Suwayda and Daraa. The aim was to divide the region and control it by spreading sectarian discourse in Suwayda, a region that has been marginalized in the political scene for years. Syrians realize that the regime first used violence against protesters when security forces dispersed a protest. During this protest, participants attempted to storm the Ba’ath Party branch headquarters in Suwayda. This incident resulted in three protesters being injured.
Following this, the regime attempted to appease the people of Suwayda by allowing the settlement of the status of wanted individuals and protesters who participated in the movement, and removing security charges against them. This confirms the regime’s strategy to label any Syrian who opposes it as a terrorist or agent. However, the protesters in Suwayda gathered in front of the settlement headquarters and expressed their rejection of the offer presented by the authorities. Furthermore, they demanded the overthrow of the regime and raised slogans affirming the peaceful nature of their movement.
The Authorities’ Inability to undermine the Suwayda Ongoing Movement
Farah Abu Hamdan, a media activist working on the Suwayda movement, stated that the participation of the political committee in the Brussels conference confirms that the movement is progressing and moving towards achieving its intended goals. In fact, holding the conference at this time and the participation of the political committee are crucial factors influencing the Syrian issue. Undoubtedly, holding this conference and the participation of Syrians in it will have a positive impact in the coming days. The regime must realize that the majority of Syrians reject its presence. It is essential that UN Resolution 2254 be implemented. This resolution is vital for establishing a democratic and pluralistic Syria. Such a country would meet the goals, objectives, and interests of all Syrians.
Abu Hamdan affirmed that the regime, faced with this dire reality, is truly perplexed. The regime’s policies towards the Suwayda movement include attempts to eliminate it and suppress the protesters. These actions embody the regime’s concern about the continuation of the movement, which has attracted regional and international interest. We must not overlook the regime’s use of intimidation tactics. These tactics include arresting activists and university students from Suwayda while they are outside of it. For instance, in February 2024, student Danny Obeid was arrested by the security apparatus from his university dormitory in Lattakia. This arrest was due to a Facebook post he made in support of the Suwayda movement.
Accordingly, the sustainability of the Suwayda movement and its objectives has become evident. As a result, the participation of the political committee, and the continuation of the movement amid the dire living and economic conditions faced by the people of Suwayda and other Syrians are noteworthy. Additionally, the raising of slogans calling for the regime’s overthrow, a peaceful political transition, and the implementation of UN Resolution 2254 all constitute a significant political burden on the regime. Despite efforts by the Syrian regime and its supporters to minimize the importance of the political movement, both in the recent Brussels conference and the ongoing movement in Suwayda, the actual situation is contrary to their claims. There is a hopeful outlook for the future of the Syrian issue. This is largely due to the active and dynamic efforts of various groups and individuals throughout the country to address the situation and make a positive change. This resilience persists even in the face of international neglect. Syrians continue to work towards a national political path aimed at overthrowing the regime, despite the dire economic and living conditions they face.
