The ”Declaration of the Victory of the Syrian Revolution” conference, held privately, ushered in a new era for Syria, marked by a comprehensive restructuring of the nation’s political and security apparatus. The conference declared the dissolution of several key institutions associated with the former Assad regime, including the parliament, the Syrian army, and the security services. This signifies a complete break from the previous government’s structure and a commitment to establishing a new foundation for governance. Furthermore, the Ba’ath Party, the dominant political force in Syria for over half a century, was also dissolved, marking the end of its long reign. The 2012 constitution, enacted during the initial stages of the Syrian revolution, was declared invalid, paving the way for a new constitutional framework that reflects the post-revolution reality.
The conference also addressed the integration of revolutionary forces into the new Syrian state. Both military and civilian institutions that actively opposed the Assad regime are to be dissolved and merged with the national framework. This move aims to unify the country after years of conflict and prevent the emergence of fragmented power structures. This integration also notably includes Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist organization led by Ahmed al-Sharaa. The inclusion of HTS, despite its designation as a terrorist organization by the US and UN, underscores the complexities of the Syrian political landscape and the pragmatic approach taken by the new leadership to consolidate power and achieve stability.
The timing of the conference coincided with another significant development: the dissolution of the al-Qaeda affiliated Guardians of Religion group within Syria. This dissolution, following a period of declining influence for the group, further simplifies the complex web of actors in the Syrian conflict and potentially creates a more conducive environment for the new government to establish control and authority. The removal of this extremist element from the equation could contribute to greater stability and facilitate the rebuilding process.
Ahmed al-Sharaa, designated to lead Syria during the transitional period, outlined the priorities of the new administration. He emphasized the importance of filling the power vacuum left by the fall of the Assad regime, establishing and maintaining civil peace, and rebuilding state institutions. These priorities highlight the urgent need to establish order and stability after years of conflict. Furthermore, al-Sharaa stressed the commitment to fostering economic development and restoring Syria’s international standing, signaling a desire to re-engage with the global community and rebuild the nation’s shattered economy.
The date of the Assad regime’s fall was declared a new national holiday, replacing the previous national day of April 17th, which commemorated the departure of French colonial forces in 1946. This symbolic change reflects the profound shift in Syrian history and underscores the significance of the revolution in shaping the nation’s future identity. It also serves as a clear demarcation between the old era and the new, emphasizing the break from the past and the embrace of a new beginning.
The ”Declaration of the Victory of the Syrian Revolution” conference represents a watershed moment in Syrian history. The sweeping changes announced, including the dissolution of key institutions associated with the former regime, the integration of revolutionary forces, and the focus on establishing stability and rebuilding the nation, signal a dramatic shift in the country’s trajectory. While the road ahead remains fraught with challenges, including the integration of formerly designated terrorist groups and the need to address the deep-seated divisions within Syrian society, the conference marks a crucial step towards a new era for Syria – one defined by the aspiration for peace, stability, and self-determination. The long-term success of this transition will depend on the new government’s ability to effectively address the complex political, economic, and social challenges that lie ahead and to build a truly inclusive and representative government that can heal the wounds of the past and forge a brighter future for all Syrians. The international community’s role in supporting this transition and ensuring accountability for past atrocities will also be critical in determining the long-term success of this new chapter in Syrian history.
