Lawyer Firas al-Shoufi proposed the idea of Sweida's independence during an interview on Al-Mashhad TV, raising questions that go beyond constitutional or sectarian debate and touch on the core of the complex geopolitical reality in the region. While al-Shoufi presents his vision of a "state" with a European constitution,
Observers believe this proposal could effectively become a "parasitic canton" subservient to Israel, transforming the political dream into a regional nightmare.
The first thing that is surprising is al-Shoufi's disregard for Sweida's demographic diversity. He focuses on the Druze sect, ignoring the approximately 30% of the population who are Bedouins. He also overlooks the human rights violations suffered by non-Druze Syrians, including mass graves and displacement.
This one-sided approach serves neither Sweida nor Syria; it merely reproduces the illusion of a "Druze state," while ignoring the region's history and diversity.
The talk of independence on screen seems easy, but practical implementation faces significant challenges:
- Economic weakness: Any small, isolated entity will be economically fragile and dependent on external support for survival.
- Security weakness: Given the presence of armed cells and figures implicated in war crimes, the new entity will be fragile in terms of security and will require external protection.
- Geopolitical dependency: Sweida's location makes any separatist project vulnerable to links with regional players, most notably Israel, threatening national sovereignty.
The idea of a "parasitic canton" is not merely a theory; it reflects real risks: A small entity on the Syrian border will become a permanent point of tension, threatening the stability of Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan, deepening political divisions, and pitting the Druze against their surroundings, making them a tool for regional and international interests.
Ultimately, Al-Shoufi's rhetoric, despite its legal appearance, remains an empty sectarian argument. The debate over rights and self-rule turns into a desire to build a mono-sectarian state, far from reality, and its consequences could be dire for the entire region.
In conclusion, Al-Shoufi claims that Sweida has been outside Assad's rule since 2016. So, what are these massive security convoys that left the province on the day of liberation? And what about Assad's supporters, the killers of the Syrian people, who are protected by the "Hijra"?
Hussein Al-Shishakli - Zaman Al-Wasl
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