The world goes through a historic moment, with Syria’s armed opposition, led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, bringing down Syrian president Bashar al-Assad after 24 years in power.
This abrupt transformation comes at a critical time, especially after this armed opposition succeeded in toppling the Assad regime in a matter of 11 days only.
However, the same development opens the door wide for an uncertain future that can radically reshape the Middle East.
Hope appears on the horizon for the Syrians, now that Assad is no longer in control of their country, their present or future. They can now dream of making a fresh start and achieving their own aspirations. The Syrians can now also dream of rebuilding their own country along more pluralistic lines.
This is an extraordinary moment, one entailing a potential for creating a state of tolerance and democracy that respects cultural and religious diversity and guarantees the rights of all citizens.
After this war, Syria may gradually regain its vitality, especially if it manages to preserve the cultural and social diversity that has long distinguished it, under a government that includes all its components and recognises their rights.
This represents a unique chance to establish the foundations of a sovereign state, free from the regional and international dominance that overshadowed the Assad regime.
Some people fault the international community, meanwhile, in failing to effectively intervene to protect civilians and prevent the catastrophes that befell Syria during the past years of conflict.
While major powers were preoccupied with dividing spheres of influence in the region, the Syrian people bore a heavy price, losing lives and resources.
Many Syrians feel betrayed by the international community, which failed to provide sufficient support and whose positions ranged from inaction to silence.
It is true that there were numerous attempts to stop the fighting and provide humanitarian aid, but these efforts were often inadequate or came with political strings attached at a time the Syrians desperately needed decisive intervention to end the conflict.
Although Assad’s departure might offer hope for a better future, the reality may be more complex than many imagine.
The downfall of numerous regimes in the Arab world has shown that change can pave the way for new conflicts and unending crises.
The armed groups that have gained control over large parts of Syria are neither united in their objectives nor possess a clear vision for building a state capable of peaceful coexistence.
In fact, the situation could worsen if internal conflicts between various factions or rivalry between regional and international powers persist.
On another front, Syria may face a new wave of refugees trying to escape from areas of ongoing conflict, adding to the burdens on neighboring countries.
This also raises concerns about the spread of terrorism to new areas in the Middle East.
The most pressing question remains: What will Syria be like after Assad? Will it succeed in rebuilding itself as a unified and a strong state, or will chaos and conflicts continue for years to come?
The answer does not lie in mere hopes, but in the genuine will to find fair and peaceful solutions that transcend sectarian and political divisions.
In this context, Syrians of all backgrounds must unite to build a state that reflects their diversity and rich cultural heritage – a state that guarantees rights for all and excludes no one.
Undoubtedly, the path ahead will be long and challenging, but unity and preserving the national state will be the first steps towards a new Syria – a Syria of the future, a state that mirrors the grandeur of its history and the richness of its culture, regaining its position as a cultural centre in the Arab world.
Mohamed Fahmy is the editor-in-chief of The Egyptian Gazette and Egyptian Mail newspapers
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