The crisis in Syria began in 2011. Eleven years later, the Syrian regime continues to be criticized by other parties in Syria on the grounds of acting to preserve its own rule in Syria.
Due to the nature of its monolithic and nationalist policies, the regime ensured that Syria was open to attack. Despite eleven years of crisis and civil war, the government continues to prefer to use its military option to address any ‘issues’ in Syria. Though it has ostensibly initiated dialogue with some parties in Syria at times, it has always made known its intention to not make any concessions and it has not taken serious steps to address certain issues.
The Democratic Syria Assembly (MSD), for example, has attempted to discuss the democratic model of governance with the regime several times through dialogue. However, all meaningful attempts to do so have been frustrated. Though MSD has clarified on every occasion that the solution it seeks is not ‘out of Syria’ but within its borders and the issue can be solved by ensuring meaningful dialogue between all the peoples living in Syria, the Damascus government has always refused to explore this path.
Ömer Mikdat: ‘They do not accept any approach apart from a military one’
According to ANHA, the Syrian journalist Ömer Mikdat has concluded that the Damascus government has advocated a system of governance that is similar to that of Stalin’s during his later years. Mikdat has concluded that the Damascus government does not advocate a democratic project to address the current crisis: “The Damascus government does not accept any approach apart from a military one. It always emphasizes security policies. It does not accept a political solution. The regime thinks that it will be annihilated if it changes itself”.
Mikdat noted that if the Syrian government continues to adopt security policies, it will fall apart. He concluded that Syria needs to adopt a model that ensures the rights of all peoples living in Syria.
İbrahim Selac: The Damascus government has ‘never believed in the power or value of dialogue’
Modern Democratic Party executive committee board member İbrahim Selac also criticised the Syrian regime, stating that: “The Damascus government is a government that emerged from a coup. It believes that it can solve all problems by means of militaristic methods: it came into power thanks to a coup in 1970. It has never believed in the power or value of dialogue. The place which the regime has taken the country to is apparent for all to see. It has taken the mosaic of the various peoples living in Syria to the brink of catastrophe. It has ruined the economy. It has made the country open to external intervention”.
