MSDBy Sahar Al-Homsi
HOMS, Syria (SDC) – Homs Governorate continues its efforts to rise again after years of war and conflict. The city and its countryside are striving to rebuild their political and economic realities, especially in light of the changes that have taken place in the broader Syrian landscape. Despite the ongoing security campaigns, arrests, and raids in some neighborhoods of the city, there is an agreement among its residents to uphold civil peace and avoid sectarian strife that could lead to disastrous consequences.
Political Movement and Economic Initiatives
Homs and its surrounding areas are witnessing active political engagement. Muhammad Darwish, a political activist and member of the “Hand in Hand” Organization, affirms that the majority of the city’s residents and community leaders work to strengthen political stability and prevent chaos. Darwish points to earnest efforts underway to reactivate major industrial facilities, alongside small- and medium-sized workshops. The aim is to revive the local economy within the limits of the available resources.
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Darwish adds, “The political movement in Homs serves as a supportive and influential factor across various aspects of life. Political initiatives raise issues that directly affect residents, whether or not the authorities respond to these efforts. As activists, we work to improve public services—from providing transportation to rural areas to organizing cleanup campaigns. This reflects our role in building a society that is both politically and economically integrated, with a constant emphasis on civil and communal peace.”
National Dialogue Conference: Hopes and Concerns
Meanwhile, women’s rights activist Iman Al-Saleem comments on the national dialogue process and the constitutional declaration. She notes that Syrians had hoped for the announcement of a broad national conference instead of a limited dialogue forum. This conference, in their view, should have been followed by a constitutional declaration that truly reflects the people’s aspirations.
However, the declaration that was eventually issued proved largely disappointing. It sparked widespread discontent among Syrians.
Al-Saleem voices her concern over the policies of the new transitional government in Damascus. She says, “The National Dialogue Conference did not live up to the seriousness of the Syrian situation. It was not announced in an appropriate or transparent manner.” She adds that the constitutional declaration seemed like a mere repetition of the framework of the previous al-Assad’s regime. This has raised serious concerns among the Syrian public.
“We have witnessed the scale of popular dissatisfaction with its provisions,” she explains. “Syrians are seeking genuine transitional justice. But limiting the transitional period to five years does not serve their expectations. The new administration in Damascus must play a positive and proactive role. Its responsibility is to meet the people’s aspirations for a democratic and renewed Syria.”
Challenges and Hopes for Syria’s Future
Despite the growing political movement in Homs, many challenges and concerns still remain. These are shaped by the complexities of the current phase, particularly the burden resulting from decades of rule by the al-Assad family.
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As the situation continues to evolve, the people of the city and its surrounding areas hope to build a democratic Syria. They envision a country that respects diversity and protects the rights of all its communities. There is a growing demand for a new constitution. People want a document that truly represents all Syrians, not just a select few.
At the same time, they call on the new administration to remain neutral. They insist it must guarantee equal rights for all citizens, regardless of background or affiliation.
In the midst of these changes, civil society and local activists play a crucial role. They work to support the city’s stability and promote social cohesion. There is a shared hope that Homs will enter a new chapter. All residents of Homs wish to see the city restore its historical role as a key center of political and economic activity. This hope is part of a broader national vision—one that reflects the Syrian people’s desire for freedom, justice, and genuine democracy.
