Syria: From Euphoria to Political Reality

After a rapid takeover of Syria by rebel forces, lasting only 11 days, Syria’s newly formed government is now focused on consolidating its position as the legitimate authority in the country. With the quick change in power, the leadership aims to gain international recognition and position itself as the new face of Syria amidst ongoing conflict.

Whenever Muslims witness regime change in the Muslim world, it often brings a wave of euphoria. This emotional reaction is natural—after years of tyranny and oppression, the fall of despotic regimes like that of Bashar al-Assad brings the promise of a better life. It sparks hope, rooted in the Islamic Aqeedah, for justice, peace, security, and the ability for Muslims to define their own political future. These aspirations reflect a deep longing for honour and dignity in a world plagued by injustice.

However, this excitement can sometimes cloud the necessary critical thinking. Well-meaning Muslims, motivated by Iman and optimism, may fall into politically naive reasoning, such as “Give him time,” “War is deceit,” “His hands are tied,” or “I’m glad he didn’t call for a caliphate.” While these sentiments might seem logical, they often reflect a lack of political awareness—something that has hindered the Muslim Ummah from effectively navigating the complex political realities of the modern world.

The Cycle of Hope and Disillusionment

The idea of granting leaders time is not new. It has been a common theme in the political history of the Muslim world. Erdogan, for example, was hailed by some as the “Mujaddid of the century,” only to disappoint when he sided with Zionist interests over the oppressed people of Gaza. Similarly, the Arab Spring brought a wave of optimism with leaders like Morsi in Egypt and the transitional governments in Libya and Tunisia, but these hopes were dashed as these leaders capitulated to the colonialists.

The harsh reality is that no matter how much time is given to leaders, the conditions of the Ummah have largely remained unchanged. This stagnation underscores the need for greater political awareness. Muslims must engage with global events on a daily basis, not just when they make headlines or trends on social media. Many only realised the open-air prison of Gaza in 2023, while others discovered the Nakba existed after the events of 2023. Some even thought the Rohingya were a country, rather than an oppressed people. These examples illustrate how, too often, the Ummah’s awareness of global issues lacks political clout. The Ummah needs a strategic outlook—one based on a deeper understanding of global dynamics, rather than merely reacting to news headlines or social media feeds.

The Case of Syria: Missed Opportunities

In the case of Syria, the rise of new leadership and the consolidation of power have sparked new debates about direction and governance. A closer look reveals missed opportunities—decisions that could have set Syria on a path toward true independence and self-determination.

Syria’s case, like other political shifts in the Muslim world, reminds us of the need for a politically astute Ummah. Muslims must develop a long-term, decolonised political outlook—one that prioritises justice, independence, and the collective good over fleeting emotions or political naivety. The challenges facing the Muslim world require a deep understanding of global dynamics, a commitment to truth, and a readiness to place hope and euphoria within a political context. Only through such vigilance can the dreams of peace, justice, and self-determination become a reality for the Ummah.

Syria’s leadership had several opportunities to take decisive steps that would have resonated with the aspirations of the people and the broader Muslim Ummah:

– Unconditional Release of All Prisoners: By freeing ALL prisoners indiscriminately, Syria’s leadership could have sent a powerful message of justice and reconciliation, breaking with the selective practices of the old regime.

– Rejection of Western Influence: Closing the doors to Western powers and establishing an independent government would have shown a commitment to sovereignty and self-reliance.

– Appeal for Regional Unity: A public, non-conditional appeal to neighbouring countries to rebuild Syria could have fostered a sense of collective regional strength and solidarity.

– Media Advocacy for Unity: Using global platforms to advocate for unity and counter the harmful narratives of “terrorism” and “Islamism” could have exposed the colonial agendas at play and garnered international support for self-determination.

– Strategic Resource Management: Leveraging Syria’s natural resources to forge deals that benefited the people, independent of global institutions, could have laid the foundation for economic sovereignty.

– Leveraging Geopolitical Positioning: Syria’s strategic importance, particularly regarding the Golan Heights, offers an opportunity to negotiate from a position of strength. By setting conditions favourable to Syria for access to this region, the country could assert its autonomy in regional affairs.

Many rulers have come and gone, and many more will rise and fall. What holds the Ummah back is not the repeated cycle of leadership changes but the lack of a deeper, more enduring approach rooted in hope and political awareness. Hope, firmly grounded in Iman, inspires the Ummah to aspire towards a just and unified future. Yet, without political astuteness, the complexities of governance often lead to disillusionment and missed opportunities.

The progress of the Ummah depends on clarity of purpose and steadfast determination. By fostering a collective awareness of global affairs and critically engaging with politics from an Islamic perspective, Muslims can rise above the cycle of false promises and fleeting euphoria. It is this harmonious combination of Iman and politically astute wisdom that will empower the Ummah to reclaim its rightful destiny and strive for justice, peace, and unity on its own terms.