MSDPolitical Dialogue Involves the ‘Tamasok’ Coalition
Syria is undergoing profound transformations following the collapse of the former regime and the beginning of a new transitional phase. This moment has given rise to critical questions about the country’s future and the shape of the state that will emerge. As Syrians continue to debate issues of governance, the constitution, and the structure of state institutions, a wide range of political voices is gaining prominence. Each one is offering its own vision for the future of the Syrian state.
In this interview, Muhannad Dliqan—Secretary of the People’s Will Party and a representative of the “Equal Citizenship in Syria – Tamasok” Coalition—outlined the coalition’s positions on some of the most critical challenges facing the country. He addressed key issues ranging from the provisional constitutional declaration and the relationship between religion and the state, to mechanisms for transitional justice. He also explored the foundations for reconstructing a shared national identity based on equal citizenship.
Dliqan offered a strong critique of the current constitutional declaration. He also outlined the coalition’s vision for building a civil, democratic state grounded in the principle of equal citizenship. He emphasized the importance of inclusive participation by all Syrians in shaping the country’s future.
Legal Mechanisms Fuel Fears of Renewed Authoritarianism
The issuance of the provisional constitutional declaration is intended to lay the foundation for a new phase in Syria. However, it has sparked concerns that certain provisions may enable the return of authoritarianism under a new legal guise. In this context, the Tamasok Coalition has voiced clear criticism of several controversial articles within the declaration. They argue that these provisions fall short of the standards required for a genuine democratic transition.
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“The Tamasok Coalition has made its position on the constitutional declaration clear on several occasions, including during the press conference at which the coalition was officially launched,” Dliqan explained. “We believe the declaration does not rise to the level needed to effectively address the complexities of this transitional period in Syria.”
“Among the core concerns raised by Tamasok regarding the constitutional declaration is the complete absence of a fundamental principle. This principle holds that power should come from the people, be exercised by the people, and serve the people. This concept is nearly universal in constitutional texts worldwide. Equally troubling to Tamasok is the omission of the word “democracy” altogether,” Dliqan added.
“Second, there is no clear separation of powers. The executive branch has been granted sweeping authority at the expense of the legislative and judicial branches, including the expansion of the transitional president’s powers. And finally, the five-year timeline established for the transitional period is, in our view, excessively long. A transitional government’s main responsibility should be to safeguard civil peace. It should also lay the groundwork for free, fair, and democratic elections through which Syrians can determine their own future.”
When asked about the sincerity of those in power regarding genuine political transition, Dliqan states, “As for intentions, we prefer to judge by actions—not words. And so far, the actions taken do not indicate a serious effort to ensure real, inclusive participation by all Syrians. What’s needed is a broad national conference that brings together diverse voices. This conference would create a platform for Syrians to build consensus on the future of their country.”
Establishing Equal Citizenship Shapes the Religion-State Relationship
The relationship between religion and the state remains one of Syria’s most contentious and sensitive issues. This is especially true given the country’s religious and sectarian diversity. There are also concerns about the dominance of one religious identity over others. On this issue, the Tamasok Coalition proposes a clear and principled vision: equal citizenship as the basis for the new Syrian state.
“Tamasok’s position is that equal citizenship must serve as the fundamental standard for defining the relationship between the state and society,” Dliqan stated.
“Equal citizenship is fully compatible with recognizing and respecting the role of religion in Syrians’ social life. It is based on freedom of belief, thought, and expression. This means that religious identity should be approached as a social and spiritual matter—not a political tool. Religious and sectarian issues must not be exploited by political actors for their own gain,” he noted.
Also Dliqan emphasized, “Syria’s richness lies in its diversity and its historically moderate and tolerant culture. This must be reinforced both in practice and in law—including through criminalizing sectarian incitement and hate speech.”
A Neutral National Army is Crucial
After decades of militarized rule in Syria, the armed forces were instrumentalized to serve the regime. Now, there is an urgent need to redefine the role of the military in the new state. In this regard, the Tamasok Coalition presents a clear vision. Their aim is to ensure the future neutrality and professionalism of the Syrian military.
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“In the founding statement of Tamasok, there is a clear call for a national army that defends the country but does not interfere in politics,” Dliqan remarked.
“Establishing such a military requires a foundational political and social consensus. This means convening a broad national conference as the entry point for shaping the detailed framework of the army we aspire to build.”
He stressed that the future army must never be built on the basis of any specific social group, nor should it be formed through sectarian or political quotas. Instead, the guiding principles for shaping this army must be competence, integrity, and a commitment to national unity.
Transitional Justice is a Top Priority
No post-conflict nation can move forward without addressing the legacies of its past. In Syria, transitional justice remains both a top priority and a source of contention among various actors. The Tamasok Coalition advocates for a balanced approach, prioritizing national reconciliation over retribution.
“The primary aim of transitional justice is not revenge or retribution,” Dliqan emphasized.
“Instead, it calls for a national reckoning with a painful and bloody chapter of Syrian history—one that enables the country to move forward through accountability, truth-telling, and healing.”
He acknowledged, “What we’ve lost in human terms is irreparable. No measure of justice can bring back those lives.”
Dliqan continued his speech, “Transitional justice must be approached from a national and political perspective, not a purely legal or criminal one. This means the core goals must be to acknowledge the crimes, uncover the truth, hold the main perpetrators accountable—and above all, to ensure such atrocities are never repeated. Preventing recurrence requires an honest reckoning with the root causes of the conflict and addressing those causes at their core.”
Rule of Law and a Strong Economy Rebuild Citizenship
Over more than a decade, the war in Syria has deepened sectarian, ethnic, and regional divides. It has severely weakened the notion of shared citizenship and fragmented society into competing identities. In response to this critical challenge, the Tamasok Coalition offers a pragmatic vision for rebuilding the principle of citizenship and addressing the root causes of societal division.
“The two fundamental pillars for rebuilding citizenship are the rule of law and a real, productive economy,” Dliqan asserted.
“When we establish a state governed by law—where all Syrians are equal in rights and responsibilities—we lay the structural foundation for genuine, equal citizenship.”
He added, “But for citizenship to become a lived reality, it must be supported by an economy that creates opportunities and opens pathways to a shared national future. Only when people are able to envision a better future for themselves and their loved ones can they begin to transcend pre-national loyalties. Citizenship takes root when the unified state becomes a source of safety and stability for its people.”
Dliqan emphasized that overcoming the challenges of the transitional phase requires a comprehensive national conference. This conference should re-establish political concept on the foundations of equal citizenship, institutional neutrality, and transitional justice. The justice process must address past atrocities and ensure they are not repeated. According to Dliqan, this is what will ultimately pave the way for building a democratic state that reflects the will of all Syrians.
