The decree of God, which cannot be altered, has been (that the land will be inherited by My righteous servants) (Al-Anbiya: 105), and the laws of God since the beginning of creation have dictated that victory comes with patience and that the path to victory is filled with temptations and difficulties.
In a world ruled by power and the desire for control, the Syrian people emerged victorious after a revolution that lasted more than 13 years, during which the Syrians suffered from all forms of harm and oppression: killings, displacement, detention, and a stifling economic crisis. The Syrian people have triumphed over their oppressors and today hold the reins of their affairs. It is perhaps essential to draw up a roadmap for the coming days, hoping that it will lead us to safety and establish the foundations of a stable and secure state.
We can identify a set of priorities for this roadmap, which we see as very important for moving in the right direction. We summarize them as follows:
- Establishing Security: Efforts must be made to establish internal security in every city, town, and village in Syria. By security, we mean that people can move to their work without fear of bandits or armed civilians and that they can find a trusted security reference to approach in case of any violations.
- Providing Basic Needs: This requires the reactivation of commercial activity and ensuring the availability of essential goods in the markets at reasonable prices. A secure environment for capital will accelerate the return of trade chains to the country and meet the various needs of citizens.
- Not Withdraw Armed Presence from the Streets: By this, we mean that the Free Syrian Army should remain stationed in their places with their full equipment, to project an image of strength and readiness to deter any violations or extremism.
- Transitional Justice: The government must begin to publicize its plan for mechanisms of accountability for those whose hands are stained with the blood of the people and establish official centers to receive complaints and evidence. Trials should commence, so that people feel justice has been served, and the idea of revenge and retribution ends.
- Preventing Factional Demands: In this early phase of the new situation, factional demands, regardless of their form, should not disrupt the landscape; they should be postponed and prohibited until order is established and the foundations of the state are stabilized.
- Drafting a New Constitution: There is a need to expedite the formation of a committee to draft a new constitution for the country, giving this committee a timeframe not exceeding six months to complete its work. Then the new constitution should be put to a referendum. It is essential to note that no elections for any component of the state should be held before the completion and adoption of the constitutional referendum.
- Declaring an International Stance Against “Israeli” Attacks on Syrian Territories: This should also be a priority.
- Working Towards International Recognition: This endeavor should start from day one with the help of brotherly and friendly countries, and it requires providing all necessary matters for this recognition.
- Engaging with Those with Similar Experiences: It is vital to benefit from the experiences of some parties that have reached power in various Arab countries and learn about the difficulties and challenges they faced.
Through these steps, we hope for the continuation and success of our revolution and its transformation into a stable state. Perhaps the most significant aspect distinguishing the Syrian revolution is the presence of a force to protect its accomplishments and defend it against any counter-revolution. We ask God Almighty to finalize this matter in the best way and the most exemplary manner.
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Muath Al-Jahoush is a Syrian writer, former president of the National Party for Justice and Constitution (founded in exile in 2013).