Böll.Global | One Syria for all

On March 6, members of armed groups of the former Syrian regime carried out a concerted attack on security forces of the transitional government. As a result, the worst fears seemed to come true. Members of the new state army and local armed groups killed hundreds of mainly Alawite, but also Sunni civilians. While the goals of the Syrian revolution of 2011 seemed more tangible than ever after the fall of Assad's brutal rule on December 8, 2024, the worst fears of pogroms against religious minorities seemed to have been realized in these days. 

The acts of violence fueled fears that the Islamist transitional government is neither powerful nor willing to guarantee security for all citizens. The Alawite civilian population in particular fears for their safety and their future in Syria, as they are associated with the equally Alawite Assad family and the Shabiha and other militias feared for their brutality.

However, many Syrians do not see tensions between different population groups in Syria as natural, but analyze them according to political patterns. Yet, many Syrians want to see themselves as Syrian citizens with the same - enforceable - rights for all. Instead of a separate status that excludes them, they want an inclusive political transition in which they do not have to fear for their protection, but in which they are not threatened. This includes coming to terms with all crimes, today's violence as well as that of previous decades. 

But how much room is there in Syria for civil society to stand up for these ideals? 
How do Syrian activists and experts view the announcements and decisions of the transitional government? What concerns and hopes do they experience within the various components of Syrian society? What is needed for political change to succeed? What do Syrians want from Germany and Europe? 
 

We would like to discuss these questions with:

• Lina Omran, researcher and migration sociologist
• Lina Ghoutouk, Syria researcher and human rights expert
• Fadi Halliso, co-founder and CEO of Basmeh & Zeitooneh

Moderated by: Dr. Bente Scheller, Head of Middle East and North Africa Division

Contact: 
Louisa Reeh 
E reeh@boell.de

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