The call for hope in building a new Syria based on national unity and tolerance is not just an ambitious vision; it is an urgent necessity that presents a significant challenge requiring immense efforts on various levels. Rebuilding Syria after years of conflict, violence, and destruction requires more than just ending military operations; it demands addressing deep social crises, reforming collapsing institutions, and creating a climate of trust among the diverse components of Syrian society, which have been greatly affected by ethnic and sectarian divisions.

Over the past decades, the Syrian regime relied on a policy of divide and conquer, which sowed fear and suspicion among different social, sectarian, and ethnic groups. Throughout years of oppressive rule, the Assad regime and the Baath Party sought to create sharp differences between Sunnis, Alawites, Kurds, Christians, and Druze, making the project of building a unified Syria exceedingly complex. These deep divisions have led to growing hatred and ongoing conflicts among these groups, requiring double efforts to reconstruct the social fabric.

The Syrian war has left millions of victims, including those killed and injured, along with millions of refugees and internally displaced persons. These individuals, who have endured atrocities and displacement, often harbor feelings of hatred and revenge, which could hinder any peace efforts. Therefore, rebuilding trust among these groups necessitates a long period of societal reconciliation, psychological and social efforts to help communities overcome trauma, along with comprehensive support and rehabilitation programs.

The previous Syrian regime exploited minorities as main allies, making some sects feel their survival is linked to the regime’s continuation. After years of suppressing opposition and fostering sectarian loyalties, genuine reconciliation between these conflicting parties will be essential. While it might be easy to reach ceasefire agreements, building trust among different sects requires significant time and genuine commitment from all parties.

Furthermore, the Syrian governmental institutions have been plagued by widespread corruption and fragility. The Assad regime relied on a network of favoritism and corruption, leading to the weakening of constitutional and legislative institutions. After years of destructive conflict, it will be difficult to rebuild these effectively without profound reforms that ensure judicial independence, enhance transparency, and genuinely combat corruption.

The destruction of Syria’s infrastructure has been immense. Major cities like Aleppo, Damascus, and Homs have suffered widespread devastation, along with vital facilities such as hospitals and schools. Rebuilding these infrastructures requires extensive time and substantial resources, as well as international financial and technical support. Additionally, rehabilitating and training workforce sectors is vital to ensure the future effectiveness of government institutions.

In the post-conflict phase, there will be ongoing threats from small armed groups and gangs that could destabilize certain areas. Establishing security and maintaining control over the entire Syrian territory are crucial but require establishing a comprehensive, independent security system, along with strengthening police and military forces that reflect the country’s social diversity, moving away from the sectarianism seeded by the previous regime.

The most complex issue in the reconstruction process is transitional justice, which involves holding all perpetrators accountable for crimes committed during the conflict. These crimes include mass killings, torture, chemical attacks, and forced displacement. Achieving true justice and reconciliation requires establishing an independent and transparent judicial system capable of fairly prosecuting violations, despite anticipated resistance from some parties.

Transitional justice is not just about prosecuting offenders; it also involves rehabilitating victims who suffered from arbitrary arrests, torture, and forced displacement. Strategies should include providing psychological and social support to victims through programs helping displaced families and individuals, alongside offering reparations and social reintegration.

Syria’s economy has suffered a total collapse due to years of war, with productivity declining across all sectors. Rebuilding the national economy requires massive investments in infrastructure, restoring industry and agriculture, and creating employment opportunities to alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people. Given the current economic conditions, this presents a significant challenge.

Reconstruction will need enormous funding, which necessitates broad international support. However, ongoing international sanctions may hinder access to necessary financial resources. Moreover, some countries may hesitate to offer support without genuine guarantees that the regime will respond to international demands related to human rights and transitional justice.

Despite ongoing calls for a political solution reflecting the aspirations of Syrians for democracy and justice, the main challenge remains reaching a comprehensive political framework involving all parties. The success of the political process in building a new Syria depends on the acceptance of all parties to participate in shared governance based on genuine political consensus.

After years of international interventions turning the Syrian conflict into a battleground for regional and global power struggles, reaching an agreement on reconstruction without consensus among major world powers remains difficult. The involvement of regional and international actors can further complicate national reconciliation, as each seeks to advance its own interests.

Despite all these challenges, hope remains for building a new Syria rooted in national unity and tolerance. Achieving this goal requires profound reforms on social, political, economic, and legal levels. The most important of these reforms include building trust among Syrian society’s components, addressing transitional justice issues, rebuilding institutions, and tackling the psychological and social repercussions of years.

Azaldine Malla