Syrian Council for Change

Syrian Council for Change:

The Syrian Council for Change is a political body that includes a group of Syrian elites and diverse cadres from various segments of Syrian society. Its purpose is to build a state of citizenship, achieve political transition, support state institutions with specialized personnel, enhance the role of competencies, and rebuild Syria as an independent and strong nation.

Establishment and Objectives of the Syrian Council for Change:

The Syrian Council for Change was established in response to the destructive policies of the Syrian regime, which led to the devastation of the country and the displacement of its people. With the political process stalled and international and regional powers exploiting the Syrian situation, a group of Syrian elites united their efforts to form a political body encompassing diverse cadres from different segments of Syrian society. This initiative began in the Daraa Governorate and expanded to represent a broader spectrum of Syrians, becoming the Syrian Council for Change.

The Council’s objectives include:

  • Building a state of citizenship based on the rule of law, separation of powers, and respect for human rights.
  • Achieving political transition in accordance with the Geneva Communique and UN resolutions (2118 and 2254).
  • Supporting state institutions with specialized personnel and enhancing the role of skilled professionals.
  • Rebuilding Syria as an independent and strong nation.
  • Preparing for and participating in the political transition process based on the Council’s principles.

Political Vision of the Syrian Council for Change:

The Council’s political vision aims to rebuild the Syrian state on new foundations, focusing on unity, sovereignty, transitional and social justice, capacity building, and political participation. The Council is committed to transparency and continuous development of its members and systems.

The Council’s vision also seeks to develop political work in Syria by enhancing national unity and ensuring Syrian decision-making independence, thus unifying political forces.

It emphasizes achieving transitional justice to restore trust between citizens and the state. Additionally, it aims to empower skilled professionals and engage youth, creating a new generation of leaders. The Council encourages collective action and coordination among various forces to achieve comprehensive solutions and is committed to transparency and continuous improvement to build reliable and effective political institutions.

Initiatives of the Syrian Council for Change:

The Council has launched several political initiatives at the Syrian level, the first and most significant of which was the 2021 initiative titled “No Legitimacy for Bashar al-Assad’s Elections.” This initiative had a significant impact and was widely supported both inside and outside Syria, in cooperation with some Syrian entities and organizations. The Council continues to work on similar initiatives as needed.

The Syrian Council for Change and the Syrian Democratic Alliance:

The Council strongly believes in the principle of collective political work and is committed to building alliances and strengthening ties with Syrian entities that share similar general ideas and goals, even if there are some differences in specific aspects. The Council emphasizes the spirit of cooperation and participation in launching national initiatives and projects.

As such, the Syrian Council for Change played a fundamental and significant role in the formation of the Syrian Democratic Alliance, being the first to propose the idea of the Alliance. The Council’s members have a clear presence within the Alliance, actively participating in its key bodies and offices, including the leadership, General Secretariat, Political Office, Communication Office, Media Office, Organizational Administration, and other committees. Their active involvement is evident in discussions and the exchange of ideas within the Alliance.

Challenges Faced by the Council:

Like other entities and components, the Syrian Council for Change has faced several challenges in various areas:

1. Cooperation and Solidarity: There have been difficulties in achieving consensus and cooperation among Syrian political blocs due to differences in cultural, intellectual, economic backgrounds, and political visions. The Council, however, has managed to map out the political landscape and establish mechanisms for relationships with current and future blocs after extensive rounds of meetings with political factions.

2. Rapid Expansion: Some political blocs struggle with rapid and excessive expansion, leading to instability and complications in organizational processes. The Council addresses this by gradually raising the political caliber of its current members and cautiously expanding to attract new members who align closely with the Council’s general policies.

3. Economic Challenges: Political blocs often face economic challenges while maintaining their political independence. The Council currently funds its activities through member subscriptions and donations until it can develop projects that allow for expansion of its activities.

4. Security Conditions: Security remains a significant challenge for the Council, as its members are spread across various geographical areas and countries. To address this, the Council adheres to a core policy of non-interference in the internal or external policies of other states, ensuring balanced future relationships.

Future Plans of the Syrian Council for Change:

The Council’s future plans involve continuously expanding alliances and establishing new relationships with Syrian political blocs, as well as proposing initiatives to break the political deadlock.