Translated by Francesca Valsecchi
Syria is going through a delicate but potentially transformative phase. The parliamentary elections organised after the exit from the political scene of the former President have marked the first attempt to redefine the political system of the country. It is a complex and still fragile process; however, it represents a crucial step towards the attempt to rebuild an institutional fabric which has been torn apart by years of conflict.
The new political frame takes shape in a context where the territory is apart, the communities have been deeply transformed and trust in the institutions is limited. The elections have mainly involved the areas under government control, while regions like the Kurdish one and some southern provinces did not participate because of local tensions or insufficient administrative conditions. Despite the difficulties, this vote has been perceived as a first experiment towards a possible normalization, an attempt to revive the political life after years of deadlock.
In parallel to a slow institutional process, the Syrian society shows resilience and renewal signs. On the social and economic front new initiatives emerge, which aim to rebuild a sense of community and to create opportunities for young people. In some areas of the country, there has been a revival of the civil and cultural activities, with associations and local groups trying to reorganize services, solidarity networks and spaces for dialogue.
A significant chapter refers to the technological and entrepreneurial sector. In particular, the boost to innovation is becoming a surprisingly vital element of the post-war period. Young Syrians, mostly educated abroad or belonging to the diaspora, are contributing to the development of new startups, to the digitization of services and to the creation of an ecosystem which, although many difficulties, is starting to take shape. New generations see in technology a way to get over the structural limitations of the country and to open minds to a different perspective compared to the past, which was marked by the war.
The return of regional and international actors in diplomatic spaces dedicated to Syria contributes to fuel the idea, even with caution, that the country could, step by step, be reintegrated at the international political level. Some Arabic governments have started a reconciliation process, being convinced that a stabilization, even just partial, could foster investments and economic initiatives aimed at reconstruction.
Despite the shadows that still lie heavy on the future, Syria is living a unique moment. On the one hand there is the constant risk of an incomplete transition, on the other hand the energy of a society, which, even being tried, still tries to look for new spaces for expression. The Syrian rebirth, however slowly, seems starting from the willingness of rebuilding bonds, creating opportunities and imagining a different future compared to the one imposed during the years of conflict.
In this complex set, elections are only one piece, but a very important one. They are the starting point to redefine the political life and to give voice to a population which needs representation and new participation tools. If the process will manage to become a structured and inclusive project, the Syrian society will finally be able to get its strength back and to start off a true rebirth.
Mondo Internazionale APS - Riproduzione Riservata ® 2025