{"id":121105,"date":"2025-01-18T18:11:24","date_gmt":"2025-01-18T18:11:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/npasyria.com\/en\/?p=121105"},"modified":"2025-01-18T18:23:12","modified_gmt":"2025-01-18T18:23:12","slug":"in-syrias-hasakah-calls-for-ceasefire-and-inclusive-dialogue-dominate-political-forum","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/npasyria.com\/en\/121105\/","title":{"rendered":"In Syria’s Hasakah, Calls for Ceasefire and Inclusive Dialogue Dominate Political Forum"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Kardo Roj<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

HASAKAH, Syria (North Press)<\/strong> \u2013 Political and community leaders in northeast Syria have intensified calls for a comprehensive ceasefire across the country and inclusive participation in shaping Syria\u2019s future. The discussions follow the collapse of the Assad regime on December 8, 2024, which has left the nation in a state of ongoing military conflict and uncertainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At a recent forum held by the Syrian Homeland Party in Hasakah, key stakeholders from diverse societal segments debated the country\u2019s current trajectory. Despite new leadership in Damascus, ongoing hostilities\u2014especially attacks by Turkish-backed factions on areas controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)\u2014continue to fuel apprehension about Syria\u2019s future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The Sound of Gunfire” Persists<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Abdulaziz Dawood, Deputy Secretary-General of the Syrian Democratic Opposition Front, emphasized the prevailing uncertainty among Syrians. Speaking to North Press on the sidelines of the forum, Dawood said, \u201cThe sound of gunfire and acts of vengeance persist, causing fear and contradicting the aspirations of the Syrian people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He pointed to ongoing clashes in northern Syria, particularly Turkish-backed offensives in Kobani and the Tishreen Dam area in Aleppo\u2019s northern countryside, despite prior security agreements and U.S. mediation efforts with Turkey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dawood proposed the formation of a transitional council involving all Syrian factions, modeled after the 1919 council that established the Syrian state. \u201cSuch a council could lay the groundwork for a national conference, presenting a roadmap for the nation\u2019s future while ensuring no single entity dominates the process,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Sensitive Period<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Maijd Al-Arad, a prominent tribal leader of the Al-Ashraf clan, described the current period as extremely delicate. He criticized the lack of a comprehensive ceasefire and the absence of international guarantees to stabilize the situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSince the fall of the Assad regime, the future remains unclear. Despite promises from Damascus to convene a national conference and establish legislative and constitutional committees, meaningful progress is lacking,\u201d Al-Arad said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He highlighted the suffering of Syrians, exacerbated by 50 years of authoritarian rule and the ongoing conflict. \u201cThe killer and the killed are all our people. We must focus on reconciliation and unity,\u201d he urged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Al-Arad also noted the efforts of tribal leaders to foster awareness and dialogue aimed at building a unified Syria. \u201cA broader, inclusive discussion that addresses the needs of all Syrians is crucial,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Empowering Marginalized Groups<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the forum\u2019s focal points was the role of women and minorities in post-conflict Syria. Arif Kasbiyan, an administrator with the Armenian Social Council in northeast Syria, stressed that the marginalization of women and minorities amounts to \u201ca form of extermination.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cExcluding women from political and social institutions weakens the nation. Women\u2019s perspectives are vital across all domains of life,\u201d Kasbiyan told North Press.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She called for greater representation of women in decision-making processes, highlighting that forums like the one in Hasakah pave the way for a more inclusive national conference. \u201cBy considering the views of all components and political parties, we can ensure no group is left out,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Path Forward<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The forum concluded with calls for immediate action to stabilize the country. Key demands included halting all military operations, forming a transitional governing body, and prioritizing the participation of women and minorities in rebuilding efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite ongoing challenges, participants expressed cautious optimism about fostering dialogue and cooperation to achieve lasting peace and unity in Syria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additional reporting by Delsouz Youssef<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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