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Amid Widespread Objections in Sweida... Controversy Escalates Over the Constitutional Declaration
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The Druze community's rejection of the new Syrian constitution reflects the widening gap between Syrian components and the authorities, amid demands for reforms that achieve broader representation for
The new constitutional declaration in Syria has provoked varied reactions, most notably the categorical rejection by the Druze Unitarian community, who expressed their opposition to what they described as a constitution that does not reflect their national aspirations.
In this context, the spiritual leader of the community, Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri, emphasized his rejection, saying: "No reconciliation and no agreement with the authorities in Damascus," considering that the government practices an extremist approach, confirming that members of the Druze community will not accept any decisions that ignore their rights.
This position comes amid growing fears that the new constitution will grant expanded powers to the president during a transitional period extending for five years, which raises concerns among various Syrian components, who see this step as an attempt to strengthen absolute rule instead of enhancing political pluralism.
According to civil activist Moatasem Al-Aflaq in his interview with "Sky News Arabia," there is a clear division regarding the constitutional declaration, where he said: "The constitution was hastily passed, granting the president broad powers, which has caused general discontent extending from Sweida to various parts of the country," adding that "the transitional period was initially set at three months, then extended to a year, and now has reached five years, in a move that reflects clear manipulation of dates to ensure the continuation of power without real participation."
Regarding the legal aspect, Al-Aflaq pointed out that the new constitution stipulates the principle of equality among citizens, but at the same time specified that the president's religion must be Islam, which he considered a clear contradiction between declared principles and the existing political reality, explaining that "many provisions of the constitution do not reflect the aspirations of Syrians and lack the spirit of true reform."
Al-Aflaq rejected any claims that Sheikh Al-Hijri's position is sectarian, confirming that "his position reflects a national orientation demanding justice and equality, not a sectarian discourse as some try to portray it," noting that "the approval of the constitution amid continuing conflict and casualties in some Syrian regions makes it lack legitimacy, as no real national consensus has been reached on it."
With the rise of popular anger, questions emerge about future steps that the Druze community might take, where Al-Aflaq explained that "the Druze are not seeking separation as some promote, but are working to pressure for a more inclusive constitution that ensures representation of all components of Syrian society," expressing concern that imposing the constitution in its current form could lead to escalating internal tensions.
In another context, the topic of Druze sheikhs' visits to the Golan has sparked significant controversy, where Al-Aflaq explained that "these visits are purely religious and do not carry any political dimensions," noting that "communication between the Golan and Sweida has existed for decades, and these visits have roots in old traditions of the Druze community."
As for the Israeli position on the Druze, Al-Aflaq addressed statements by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, through which he tried to win over members of the community in the Golan, considering them "mere electoral propaganda," adding that "Netanyahu has not provided the Druze with any tangible changes, and a large part of the Golan residents still refuse to carry Israeli identity, reflecting the failure of these attempts to change their position."
With the continuing debate over the new constitution, the Syrian political scene remains open to several possibilities, whether through escalating popular protests, or through the authority's attempt to contain the crisis through formal amendments that do not change the existing reality, while the position of the Druze community remains an influential factor in determining the future of balances within the country in the next stage.
